title: "Forty is the new twenty": An analysis of British media portrayals of older mothers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Despite increased risks of infertility and poor outcomes, women in high-income countries are increasingly deferring pregnancy beyond age 35.The underlying causes are incompletely understood. The mass media is recognised as a powerful influence on health-related behaviour; therefore media representations warrant critical examination.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative thematic analysis of portrayals of pregnancy and birth in women over 35 in UK national newspapers, popular magazines and television programmes
  
  
  RESULTS
  Extensive media interest in childbearing and a preponderance of coverage related to celebrities was confirmed. Three main themes were identified; delayed childbearing was portrayed positively, as part of a life plan allowing women have the "best of both worlds". The media did not acknowledge age per sé as an obstacle to pregnancy and endorsed reproductive technologies suggesting 'it's never too late'. Images and descriptions of ideal post-pregnancy bodies in women over 35 reinforced the message that "you can regain your beautiful body".
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Delayed childbearing was represented positively, as it facilitated conformity with dominant ideologies surrounding motherhood. Within these boundaries, the effects of age were disregarded. This study provides evidence of restrictive framing of the issues surrounding delayed childbearing in the UK media which militate against communication of important public health messages.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Jean McFarlane Building The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. Electronic address: tracey.mills@manchester.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Tracey A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.affiliation: School of Social Sciences, Arthur Lewis Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lavender
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Jean McFarlane Building The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lavender
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media; D009035:Mothers; D011247:Pregnancy; D011639:Public Opinion; D043762:Reproductive Behavior; D012693:Serial Publications; D013690:Television; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Advanced maternal age; Media representations; Pregnancy risks; UK