Women are having babies later in life than ever before. Discovering new factors when deciding the right time to expand their family has contributed to this. Women want to be independently successful before they become “tied down.”
Historically speaking…
The average age at which a woman gave birth in 1970 was 24.6 years. Women have always been prevalent in the workplace, but men were expected to be able to provide for the household. It was once a woman’s sole purpose to bear children and maintain the household, so couples started families immediately following marriage. It was not until 2016 that more women in their thirties started having more babies than younger mothers, according to the CDC. Times are changing, and people no longer feel pressured to get married so young. It is no longer so unconventional to get married in your thirties. Furthermore, it is no longer taboo for people to have children without being married in the first place. Upon further investigation, it appears that women are no longer basing their choice on their biological clock, but rather a financial clock.
“Some of the broadest changes in society, and the most positive, are in women’s ability to decide when, if and under what circumstances to have children.” -Bill Albert, CPO, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
Women in the Workplace
Greater equality in the workplace opened up many new jobs for women. Women are trying to climb to the top career-wise and have no time to take leave to raise a child. There are no federal laws in place requiring private-sector employers to provide paid leave of any kind. Men and women alike are concerned about not being able to enjoy the bonding time in the first couple of months of their child’s life. Regardless, some women have invested too much in their work even to consider slowing down to start a family. Women have likely already hit their thirties by the time they realize they want children.
Healing Cultural Beliefs
Some women are actively working to heal and redefine cultural beliefs that have long dictated their roles in society. In many cultures, women were traditionally expected to marry young and prioritize motherhood above all else. However, modern women challenge these expectations by embracing career ambitions, personal growth, and alternative paths to fulfillment. This shift is not just about delaying motherhood but about reclaiming autonomy over their lives and decisions. By doing so, they are reshaping cultural norms for future generations, proving that a woman’s worth is not solely defined by her reproductive choices.
Double the Challenges for Women of Color and Different Cultures
Women of color and those from diverse cultural backgrounds often face additional challenges when deciding to have children later in life. They must navigate not only societal expectations but also systemic barriers such as healthcare disparities, economic inequality, and cultural stigmas. Many women of color experience pressure from their communities to follow traditional family structures while also confronting workplace discrimination that can make career advancement and financial stability more difficult to achieve. As a result, the decision to delay motherhood becomes even more complex, requiring careful consideration of both cultural expectations and economic realities.
Some examples of celebrities…
- Susan Sarandon gave birth at the ages 39, 42, and 45.
- Celine Dion gave birth at 33 and then welcomed twins at 42.
- Madonna gave birth at 36 and then again at 41.
- Brigitte Nielsen recently gave birth at 54.
Resources For more information and support on women’s health, visit OASH | Office on Women’s Health.
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This article was updated on 3/26/25.