Interestingly, there were no age differences in physical health, discomforts of pregnancy and overall mood, with the older mothers indicating similar levels of exercise and physical activity as their younger counterparts. There were some differences in other areas, however.

'Older mums expressed greater anxiety about the well-being of their unborn baby, as you might expect given well publicised evidence of higher rates of obstetric complications in this age group,' McMahon said.

Having analysed the physical and psychological experiences of the older mums during pregnancy, researchers are currently turning their attention to how the mothers and their babies coped in the first few months after birth.

McMahon said results of the study will identify areas where first-time parents may need more support.

These findings were presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology conference held in Amsterdam last week.