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pubmed:abstractText |
An analysis of Canada's changing pattern of births during the period 1971-1988 suggests that the tempo and timing of fertility has changed. Between 1971 and 1988, the number and rates of first births to women in their 30s increased rapidly, and rates for women younger than 25 declined. The rate of first births (first births per 1,000 women) for women 30-34 increased from 11.5 in 1971 to 17.1 in 1981 and to 22.3 in 1988--a 94% increase over the 17 years. The rate for women 35-39 also rose from 3.0 in 1971 to 3.6 in 1981 and 5.9 in 1988--a 97% increase occurring mostly in the 1980s.
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pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: Researchers analyzed 1971-1988 data from the Canadian Centre for Health Information to observe patterns and trends in fertility for 30 year old women in Canada, especially in terms of 1st births. In 1971, the rate of 1st births stood at 11.5/1000 for women 30-34 years old, by 1981 and 1988, it rose to 17.1 and 22.3 respectively. This equalled a 94% increase over the 17 years. Further the increase in 1st births for 35-39 year old women was 97% (3%, 3.6%, and 5.9% respectively). Overall, between 1971-1988, the percentage of single women increased more (by 32.5%) than that of all women (by 29.6%), especially 30-34 year old single women (by 174.2%). The rate of 1st births to 30-34 year old single women increased 7 fold between 1974-1988 (2.8-23.1) while the rate of 1st births to 30-34 year old married women only increased 1-2 fold (14.6-23.4%). For all 30-39 year old single women, the total number of 1st births increased 19 fold (240-4,769). 1st births rose each year for Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick between 1972-1988. In Quebec, they also increased annually, except for 1976-1977 when they fell only slightly. In the Western provinces, the territories (the Yukon and Northwest Territories), and Ontario, 1st births peaked during 1980-1982 followed by small decreases thereafter. The 1985 1st birth rate for 30-34 year old women in Canada (20.3) compared favorably to that of Scotland (19.4), Sweden (20.4), and France (20.6). These shifts in the timing and speed of fertility affect demographic, epidemiologic, and social policy. For example, policy makers must consider that population growth potential is lower if more women wait to after age 30 to have their 1st birth than if more younger women do. Further this shift from younger to older ages of 1st births may result in an increase in the health risks associated with late childbearing.
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