Exploring the older mother from different perspectives:the voices of women (an exploratory study of women's views and experiences of delayed childbearing)

Background: Maternal age at first birth in the UK has steadily risen over the past two decades. Existing evidence regarding obstetric risks is methodologically limited. There is little qualitative research regarding women’s knowledge of risks, their experiences or reasons for delaying childbearing.Aims: To gain an understanding of women’s views and experiences ofdelayed childbearing and provide a holistic view of the issues of delayed childbearing with regard to different groups of women at varying stages of their life plan.Objectives: To explore what factors influence women’s decisions to delay childbearing, their experiences and perceptions of the associated risks.Method: Phenomenological study exploring the ‘lived experience’ of delayed childbearing with a purposive sample of 18 women (3 groups of 6) who were interviewed between September 2009 and April 2010; • 35 and over, no children, not pregnant• 35 and over, pregnant with their first child• 35 and over, no children, attending fertility clinicThematic analysis is ongoing and will be complete by end June 2010.Ethical Issues: Awareness of possible traumatic experiences, particularly with regard to the fertility group. Ethical approval received September 2009. Key Findings: Women’s accounts did not focus on obstetric complications but on the need for a stable relationship, ‘being ready’ and life experience. Disadvantages focus on the physical effects on the body, societal perceptions and a lack of choice in their decision of when to have a family. Age alone was not perceived to be a risk factor. Implications for practice: Health professionals need to understand the complexities surrounding women’s reasons for delaying childbearing. Sensitive information and support should be provided allowing for varying perceptions of risk status. Women may benefit from pre-conception education.Funding Source: The University of ManchesterInternational Relevance: The issue of delayed childbearing appears to be a worldwide phenomenon.