Singapore is experiencing a stark divide in motherhood trends. Although the nation’s overall birth rates have plummeted to historic lows, a growing number of women in their 40s are bucking the trend by having children later in life.
A Record Low in Total Fertility
Preliminary data released in late February shows that Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR)—the average number of babies a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years—fell to a record low of 0.87 in 2025. This is a significant decline from 1.26 in 2005.
The impact is most visible among younger women. For those aged 25 to 29, the age-specific fertility rate (ASFR) dropped to 38.3 babies per 1,000 women in 2025, down from 80.7 in 2005. Similarly, the rate for women aged 30 to 34 fell to 70 per 1,000, compared to 89.2 in 2005.
The Shift Toward Later Motherhood
Experts suggest this shift is driven by women delaying marriage and motherhood to pursue education, personal interests, and career establishment. Dr. Kalpana Vignehsa of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) notes that having children is no longer a given for married couples.
Instead, the decision has become more deliberate and conditional, often depending on factors like the division of labor between partners and career stability. This environment has led more couples to actively try for children in their late 30s or early 40s.
Medical Interventions and Policy Changes
The rise in births among older women is partly attributed to the 2020 lifting of the age limit of 45 for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. The Ministry of Health stated there is now no “upper age limit” for women seeking IVF.
To support this, the Government also extended co-funding in 2020 for women aged 40 and older at public hospitals, provided they had attempted ART or intra-uterine insemination before turning 40.
At the KKIVF Centre, the proportion of patients older than 40 has nearly doubled since the limit was lifted, now accounting for one in six patients, up from one in 12.
The Biological Reality Check
Despite the increase in attempts, medical professionals warn that IVF is not a “magic pill.” Dr. Suresh Nair of Seed of Life warns that the chances of success decline with age and notes that male sperm quality also declines as men age.
Dr. Liu Shuling of the KKIVF Centre reports that since 2020, an average of 20 women aged 45 and older have undergone IVF at the centre annually, but none gave birth using their own eggs collected after age 45. She described the success rate for women over 45 as “extremely low.”
However, some outliers exist. Dr. Tan Heng Hao of Thomson Fertility Singapore (Novena) cited a patient who gave birth to her first child at 47, using eggs collected when she was 46 after multiple IVF cycles.
Looking Ahead
As more women enter motherhood at an older age, Professor Jean Yeung suggests that increasing awareness of fertility issues may become imperative. A possible next step could involve providing more help through consultations, subsidies, or special leave for early health screenings.
Couples struggling to conceive may also observe a continued need for expanded support in assisted reproductive technology to navigate the challenges of later-life fertility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Total Fertility Rate (TFR)?
TFR refers to the average number of babies a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years, which are defined as being between 15 and 49 years of age.
What is the Age-Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR)?
ASFR is the number of babies born to women in a specific age group per 1,000 women within that same age group.
Why are more women in Singapore having babies in their 40s?
Factors include the delay of marriage and motherhood for career and education, a shift toward more conditional decisions regarding children, and the 2020 removal of the age limit for IVF and ART treatments.
Do you believe that increased access to assisted reproductive technology can offset the trend of delaying parenthood?
