Speaking at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference, Dr Julie Nekkebroeck, who carried out the small Belgian study of 15 women, said they also found that 27% wanted to give their relationship a chance to blossom before bringing up the subject of having a baby.

BBC: Women freeze eggs to wait for 'Mr Right'

In addition, mothers with three or more children were 30% more likely to lose a subsequent child to cot death than those bringing up their first baby.

BBC: 'Lowest ever' infant death rate

Young mothers, and those bringing up the baby on their own appeared to be more at risk of suffering a cot death.

BBC: 'Lowest ever' infant death rate