ONS publishes birth characteristics statistics

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its annual statistical bulletin Birth characteristics in England and Wales: 2017.

Figures show that the stillbirth rate was at a record low, although the rate varies across England and Wales and was significantly higher in the most deprived areas of England compared with the least deprived areas.

It also shows that the average ages of parents have continued to rise and the percentage of babies with low birthweight remains unchanged since 2011.

The full bulletin can be viewed here.