Births among older moms rises in U.S.

ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. births fell in 2008, probably because of the recession, updated government figures confirm.

The one exception to the trend was the birth rate among women in their 40s, who perhaps felt they didn't have the luxury of waiting for better economic times.

The birth rate for women in their early 40s rose a surprising 4 percent over the previous year, reaching its highest mark since 1967. The rate for women in their late 40s also rose, slightly.

But birth rates fell for teen mothers, as well as women in their 20s and 30s.

"Women are postponing births to those later ages, above 40," said James Trussell, director of Princeton University's Office of Population Research.

Experts don't know for certain why so many are delaying having babies, though some suspect the economy is a big factor.