Risks Associated with Rising Age of First-Time Mothers

The increasing trend of older first-time mothers in affluent nations raises various health concerns, according to a recent study conducted by a team of researchers from Vienna. The findings highlight that longer educational pathways, evolving societal roles, and the professional landscape for young women contribute to delayed motherhood.

In Austria, for instance, the average age of first-time mothers has risen from 23.8 years in 1984 to 30.3 years in 2024. This shift is attributed to a combination of factors including changing social dynamics, the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment beyond traditional family roles, and the demands of extended education.

The study, published in the American Journal of Human Biology, analyzed data from 6,831 mothers and their firstborn children delivered at Donaustadt Clinic between 2010 and 2019. The research indicates that while older maternal age is becoming more common, it is also associated with increased risks for both mothers and infants.

Specifically, the study found that first-time mothers aged 35 and older are statistically more likely to experience premature births. Women aged 35 to 39 face a 1.32 times higher risk of preterm delivery, while those over 40 have a 2.35 times increased risk compared to mothers aged 20 to 34. Additionally, advanced maternal age correlates with higher rates of medically induced labor, cesarean deliveries, and low birth weight infants.

To further understand these risks, the researchers compared data from younger mothers (20 to 34 years) with their older counterparts. In the younger group, 5.9% of pregnancies involved assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization. This figure rose to 15.1% among mothers aged 35 to 39 and reached 31% for those over 40.

Preterm births were recorded in 6.5% of pregnancies within the younger cohort, compared to 8.4% for mothers aged 35 to 39 and 14% for those over 40. The rates of planned cesarean sections also increased with maternal age, from 6.3% in the younger group to 10.3% and 12% in the older groups respectively, while emergency cesarean rates jumped from 11.8% to 17.6% and 25.8%.

The study emphasizes that delaying motherhood poses significant risks, which may be influenced by broader societal conditions despite individual aspirations. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring healthy outcomes for both mothers and their children.