The bar chart compares the percentage of Australian women who gave birth to their first child in 1966, 1986 and 2006 across different age groups.
The data showed a clear shift towards older maternal age, with the highest proportion gradually moving from the younger age group to women in their late twenties and early thirties, while the youngest category consistently recorded the lowest numbers. Over time, the older age group experienced a significant increase, while the younger group continued to decline.
In 1966, the largest group of first-time mothers was women aged 19-24, with just over 60%. The under-19 group and the 25-30 group also had quite high percentages, around the mid-30s. Meanwhile, the older age groups, especially 34-39 and 40+, had very low figures. In 1986, this pattern changed. The 25-30 age group became the highest, at around 50%, while the number of women aged 19-24 fell. The percentage of mothers under 19 also decreased, although the 30-34 group rose slightly.
In 2006, more women had their first child at older ages. The 30-34 group became the largest, with almost 50%. The 34-39 and over 40 groups also increased compared to previous years. In contrast, the younger groups continued to fall. Only about 10% of mothers were under 19, and around 25% were aged 19-24. Overall, the figures show that first-time motherhood moved from younger to older age groups over time.