Factors influencing women's decisions about timing of motherhood

J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2006 Sep-Oct;35(5):625-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2006.00079.x.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the factors that influence women's decisions about the timing of motherhood from a life span perspective.

Design: Qualitative.

Setting: Large Western Canadian city with a high rate of infants born to women aged 35 years and older.

Participants: 45 Canadian women aged 20 to 48 years.

Results: Independence, a stable relationship, and declining fertility influenced women's decisions about the timing of motherhood. Women integrated child developmental transitions into a projected life plan as they considered the timing of motherhood. Partner readiness and family of origin influences played a lesser role. Delayed childbearing has become more socially acceptable, with subsequent negative connotations associated with younger motherhood. Parental benefits have limited influence on the timing of motherhood.

Conclusions: Recognition by nurses of the various and complex factors that influence women's decisions about the timing of motherhood may flag the importance of pregnancy-related counseling for woman across the fertility life span. Policy decision makers must be cognizant of the need for additional high-risk obstetric and neonatal health services when societal norms encourage women to delay childbearing in favor of completing education and establishing a career.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Canada
  • Career Mobility
  • Decision Making*
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Intergenerational Relations
  • Maternal Age
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Motivation
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Qualitative Research
  • Reproductive Behavior / psychology*
  • Social Values
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women / psychology*
  • Women, Working / psychology