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INTRODUCTION: The increasing trend of delayed motherhood in both developed and developing countries has led to demographic shifts in fertility patterns. In India, the transition towards later childbearing has been largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the trends in delayed motherhood prevalence, along with socio-economic and demographic factors contributing to this shift. DATA AND METHODS: This study utilizes data from five rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), with a focus on ever-married women aged 40-49 years. Delayed motherhood is defined as childbirth occurring at or beyond 35 years of age. The analysis employed joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort (APC) modelling to assess the trends, examining the effects of socio-economic, educational, and demographic factors on delayed motherhood. RESULTS: The findings indicate a significant increase in delayed motherhood with age, particularly for women aged 48, where the prevalence was highest at 15.14%. Period effect analysis shows a steady decline in delayed motherhood prevalence since 1992, but variations exist across socio-economic groups. Women with secondary education and from wealthier households exhibit higher risks of delayed motherhood. APC analysis reveals a general decline in the risk of delayed motherhood in newer cohorts, though this trend is less evident among women from lower socio-economic backgrounds and certain religious groups. CONCLUSION: The demographic shift toward delayed motherhood in India poses both challenges and opportunities for public health. Socio-economic disparities in access to healthcare and education are critical factors influencing this trend. Policy interventions aimed at addressing these disparities could mitigate the risks associated with delayed maternal age and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Singh et al. (Wed,) studied this question.