Trends in Delayed Motherhood: Average Age Rises to 29 in France
French women are having their first child at an increasing average age of 29.1.
Key Points
- • Average age for first-time mothers in France is 29.1 years as of 2023.
- • This reflects a 5.1-year increase since 1974, indicating delayed motherhood trends.
- • Second-child average age is now 31.6 years, rising 4.8 years since 1967.
- • Socio-economic factors and educational pursuits contribute to this delay.
A recent study published on July 16, 2023, reveals that the average age of first-time mothers in France has reached 29.1 years, marking a 5.1-year increase since 1974. Additionally, mothers now wait until an average age of 31.6 years to have their second child, a rise of 4.8 years compared to 1967. This trend reflects a broader shift seen across the European Union, where the average age of first-time motherhood is 29.8 years.
The factors contributing to this delay in motherhood include extended educational pursuits, increased participation of women in the workforce, and more accessible contraceptive options. Socio-economic conditions also play a crucial role, prompting many women to postpone starting families until they feel more financially stable and established in their careers. For instance, in contrast to France, Eastern European countries have lower average ages for motherhood, typically between 26.9 and 28.9 years, while Southern European nations like Italy report higher averages, with 31.8 years.