An expert thinks women should have babies before they are 35. Professor Mary Herbert said 35 is when the "clock strikes 12". It is riskier to be pregnant after 35. It is also difficult to help older women have a baby. The professor gave doctors and nurses an important message at a science festival. She said: "The best cure of all is to have your babies before this clock strikes 12." She said she would worry if her daughter didn't have a child by 35.

Many women put off having a baby until they are older. They do not want to stop working. They also get married and settle down at a later age. The professor said we must help younger women have babies. We need to understand what barriers stop women having children early. A childcare expert agreed. She said you can't order babies. Women don't always find a partner and a house before they are 32. She said: "The right man doesn't always just come along."