The increased medical risks for older first-time mothers,such as preterm birth, placenta complications (Cleary-Goldmanet al., 2005; Joseph et al., 2005), prolonged labour (Treacy et al.,2006), excessive bleeding (Luke and Brown, 2007a, 2007b), anal sphincter tears (Fitzgerald et al., 2007), caesarean section and vacuum extraction (Cleary-Goldman et al., 2005; Luke and Brown,2007a, 2007b), are well documented. The infants of mothers of advanced age are at higher risk of being small for gestational age(Cnattingius et al., 1992; Joseph et al., 2005) and for perinatal morbidity (Joseph et al., 2005) and mortality (Nybo Andersen et al., 2000; Jacobsson et al., 2004; Joseph et al., 2005; Delbaere et al., 2007; Nabukera et al., 2006). These risk factors may affect women’s experience of birth, which in turn may have long-term