In the 1950s, the typical age for women to have their first child was 26. This age dropped to 24 in the early 1970s, but has been rising steadily since then. By 2019, the average age crossed the 30-year mark, and in 2023, the figure stood at 30.3 years.
The shift to older parenthood is not only due to personal choice but also social and economic factors. While fewer women in their 20s are becoming mothers, more women aged 35 to 45 are choosing to start families later in life. The trend reflects broader changes in societal norms and priorities, with many women focusing on careers, education, and personal development before starting a family.
Statistics Netherlands notes that the trend of delayed childbearing is consistent with changing lifestyles and priorities, even though the desire to have children remains strong.
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