US sees record low teen births, with more women over 40 having kids

New data shows a record low number of teen births, while more women over 40 are having children than ever before.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More women are waiting longer to have children, while teen births have hit a record low.

So what’s behind the shift and what does it mean for public health?

Birth trends in the U.S. are shifting. New data shows a record low number of teen births while more women over 40 are having children than ever before.

The overall U.S. fertility rate continues to fall, driven by fewer women under 30 having babies.

However, more women in their late 30s and 40s are choosing to start families.

Experts point to changing social norms and advances in fertility treatments.

Health experts say the drop in teen births is a major public health success. They link the change to better access to contraception and education.

But pregnancies later in life come with higher risks, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and complications during delivery.

Doctors say proactive medical care is key — whether having a baby at 16 or 40.

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