European study shines light on Ireland's birthing trends since 1990

A recent study which focussed on birth trends across Europe has shed a light on Ireland's position in various categories.

While the country ranks number three for the number of mothers over the age of 35, the average age of a first-time mother in Ireland is 29.9-years-old.

In addition to this, the study established that 20% of infants in Ireland are born via caesarean section while the vast majority of infants born in this country boast health birth rates.

According to the data, the majority of children born in this country weigh between 7 lbs 11 oz and 8 lbs and 13 oz.

Unsurprisingly, the study also focussed attention on the continent's breastfeeding trends and established that Ireland, France and Greece indicate a low rate, with only 20% of babies still being breastfed at three-months-old.

According to the study, when the rest of Europe experienced a decline in birth rates between 1990 and 2012, Ireland experienced a surge.

The data, which was obtained from the World Health Organisation's regional office for Europe, was analysed in order to produce the 'European Birth and Trends' report and indicated that each women in Ireland averages 2.5 children.