A medical expert has said women between the age of 20 and 25 are in the optimum period of their life for having a baby, a time which involves stocking up on essentials such as all in one suits.

Professor James Walker, president of training at charity Baby Lifeline, explained that between these years women are fully matured but not yet in decline.

He said that females who get pregnant in their teens sometimes face general health problems, while those over 30 can encounter infertility and birth complications.

However, Professor Walker noted that lifestyle changes over the years, including more of a focus on the workplace, has meant many ladies wait before starting a family.

"You could argue that in the past women had a more one-dimensional life, they got married and had babies. Now there are other things in their life with their career and development," he remarked.

Professor Walker was reacting to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics on parenthood, which showed that there has been a fall in the number of mothers aged 25 and under.

In 1971, 47 per cent of mums were below this age, while in 2008 it was 25 per cent.

Posted by Ed SaltersADNFCR-3005-ID-19875038-ADNFCR