It’s no secret that each country and each culture have different concepts of motherhood. This includes different perceptions of the best time to become a new mother. Of course, socioeconomic status, regional traditions, and other factors play into this perception. Nevertheless, here’s how the numbers break down.
Top countries with the oldest average for first-time mothers:
- Greece (31.20)
- Australia (30.50)
- South Korea, Japan, Italy (30.30)
- Switzerland, Luxembourg (30.20)
- Singapore, Spain, Hong Kong, Ireland (29.80)
- Netherlands (29.40)
- Germany, Portugal (29.20)
- Denmark (29.10)
- Sweden (28.90)
- Slovenia (28.80)
Top countries with the youngest average for first-time mothers:
- Angola (18)
- Bangladesh, Niger (18.10)
- Chad (18.20)
- Mali (18.60)
- Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi (18.90)
- Liberia, Gaza Strip, Botswana, Sierra Leone (19)
- Zambia (19.20)
- Sao Tome and Principe and Burkina Faso (19.40)
- Cabo Verde, Madagascar, Swaziland (19.50)
- Tanzania, Ethiopia (19.60)
The difference in these ages is especially interesting when compared to a woman’s fertility over her lifetime. These statistics come from a study of women trying to get pregnant without using fertility drugs or other medical intervention.
Age: 20 86% success rate within one year
Age: 25 78% success rate within one year
Age: 30 75% success rate within one year, 91% success rate within four years (up to age 35)
Age: 35 66% success rate within one year, 84% success rate within four years (up to age 40)
Age: 40 44% success rate within one year, 64% success rate within four years (up to age 45)
Motherhood can happen at any age between a woman’s first menses and menopause, either naturally or with the help of fertility treatments. But a successful pregnancy is never guaranteed. One thing that is certain is that motherhood is as beautiful as it is diverse.
To see images of motherhood around the world with women of all ages, we highly recommend this photo album provided by UNICEF. 50 incredible photos of motherhood around the world – UNICEF Australia
We at Thomas Medical wish all the mothers around the world a safe, peaceful, and healthy New Year and a 2021 filled with love and prosperity.
References:
Cover photo by Mihaela Noroc, “Motherhood Around the World”
Age: and female fertility – Wikipedia
Leridon, H. Human Reproduction, June 17, 2004: vol 19, pp 1549-1554
Your Chances of Getting Pregnant By Age | Shady Grove Fertility Blog
50 incredible photos of motherhood around the world – UNICEF Australia
Photo Credit: Mihaela Noroc, “Motherhood Around the World”
