Almost three-quarters of those surveyed said the pressure of juggling a career and family life was putting them off trying to conceive.
Some worried about being labelled as a ‘part-time’ mother if they worked, or said they feared it would be ‘impossible’ to meet the expectations of their in-laws, friends and colleagues.
The report by the Pregnancy Advisory Service also found that one of the main reasons for women putting off starting a family was the struggle to find Mr Right.
Other concerns included not feeling ready for the responsibility a child, not owning their own home or simply not having enough money.