Having a baby low on the list of priorities for most Australian women: Survey

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDApr 23 2012

Reports show that now only four per cent of women aged 18-44 want a baby. Around seven in 10 women say they want kids at some stage. Women want to feel financially secure before settling down says the report. The survey, which was conducted by Galaxy Research between March 30 and April 2, was commissioned by the ovulation and pregnancy test company Clearblue.

The study into female fertility, published yesterday, found that for 43 per cent of women aged 18-44 their top priority in life was their family and friends. This was followed by the relationship with their partner at 18 per cent and their health at 14 per cent. But having a baby was still 1 per cent higher over women's careers, with only 3 per cent of respondents saying their job came in at No. 1. Of those surveyed 70 per cent of the women reported knowing at least one person in their social circle who has had problems conceiving, and almost 50 per cent of those trying to fall pregnant said they were experiencing difficulties.

Experts say that these findings mean that these women are delaying trying to conceive until a later age, despite potentially serious health risks. UNSW obstetrics and gynaecology professor William Ledger said the Clearblue study showed women waiting to have a baby beyond their early 30s could lead to greater difficulty getting pregnant. “It's significant and surprising that the Clearblue study shows that having a baby is not a top life priority for Australian women in the fertile age group,” he said.

“This reflects current social trends that show that Australian women are, on average, making the decision to start their family at a later age than ever before. But women should be aware of the impact of delaying starting a family.” As well as health issues, having a baby later in life can lead to greater stress between couples - and adversely affect their sex life he said.

Half of the respondents to the survey felt trying for a baby would take over their life. However, Professor Ledger said it didn't have to. “Women still have low awareness about the details surrounding how to get pregnant,” he said. “My advice for Australian women if they are trying to conceive would be to try to understand your ovulation cycle as this can improve your chances of conception.”