Is there a 'right' time to become a mother?

'Currently, U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that the national average age for women’s first birth is 25, which can be higher on a state-by-state basis (in Massachusetts it’s 28). However, there’s no doubt that the numbers of women who wait are growing. In 2006 about one out of 12 first births were to women age 35 and over, compared to only one out of 100 in 1970. The American Fertility Association (AFA) uses an even higher number. It reports that 20% of American women now wait to have their first child until after age 35. ' from the Forbes Article When Should You Become A Mom?

One aspect in making the the decision to have children or not is whether there is a 'right' time to have children.   As the above quote shows, many more women are waiting to have their first child until after the age 35.  And, as expected, there is no consensus on when is the 'right' time to have children.

Sometimes, women who are feeling unsure of whether they want children or not feel pressured because they feel they need to have children before they are a particular age.  I do agree with this article that because it does become more difficult the older you are, it is good to try to make the decision earlier rather than later.  But I also know there are many options women can pursue if they do want children - including adoption and fostering.


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