Is this a new trend with divorces or just a statistical anomaly?

[NJmaverick]

I know 3 couples, between friends and family, where they are getting or have gotten divorces. In all cases there are small children (not in their teens yet) and the woman is the one wanting the divorce. All the women are approaching 40 or are in their early 40s. All are willing to have shared custody. Is this a new trend? Are women now the ones suffering the mid-life crisis (as opposed to the men)? It just seems very strange to me. In all cases it didn't appear that there were affairs involved, prior to the issue being raised. Although the women were spending a lot of time out, leaving the kids with their fathers.