Nearly four in ten women in Britain are becoming mothers later than they initially planned, with an average delay of six years, according to a recent study. The research, carried out by market research firm GfK on behalf of the IVI Institute—a consortium of seven fertility clinic groups spanning nine countries—also found that women are having fewer children than they desire.

The survey, which included responses from 4,000 women aged 19 to 49 across the UK, revealed that 38 percent had children later than they had hoped. While the average number of children women said they wanted was 2.4, the actual average number of children per woman was only 1.6. The data underscores a growing discrepancy between fertility intentions and outcomes.

Common reasons cited for delaying motherhood included feeling too young at the desired time, insufficient financial resources, and not having met the right partner. Despite the delay and reduced number of children, the study found that the majority of women still aspired to have children. Of those surveyed, 54 percent were already mothers, and another 27 percent expressed a desire to become parents. Only 12 percent indicated they did not want children, with lifestyle impact and concerns about the challenges of raising children in today’s societal climate given as the primary reasons.

These findings align with data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which this year reported the fertility rate in England and Wales had dropped to a record low of 1.39 children per woman. The ONS data also noted that the average age at first birth has risen to 31, up from 26 in 1975.

When asked what changes would make having children easier, a significant majority of mothers supported increased childcare support. Specifically, 76 percent endorsed more subsidized childcare, including free childcare until school age, workplace childcare, and subsidized babysitting services. Additionally, 88 percent sought greater workplace flexibility and 75 percent called for improved paid maternity leave.

Dan Annetts, chief executive of IVI Fertility Northern Europe, highlighted that the declining birthrate should not be interpreted as a lack of desire among women to have children. He stated that most women want to start families but face barriers such as financial constraints, lack of workplace and emotional support, and inadequate childcare provisions, which prevent them from fulfilling these aspirations within their preferred timeframe.