The bar chart illustrates the percentages of Australian women giving birth to their first child in 1966, 1986, and 2006, according to age group.
Overall, the highest proportion of first time mothers was among women aged 19-24 in 1966, whereas by 2006, the 30-34 age group had become the most common. While women aged over 40 consistently had the lowest figures throughout the period.
In 1966, most first births occurred among women under 25, with about 60% aged 19-24 and around 35% under 19. However, both age groups declined sharply over time. By 2006, less than 10% of women gave birth under 19, and the figure for those aged 19-24 fell to approximately 28%.
In contrast, older mothers became far more common. The proportion of women aged 30-34 rose steadily, becoming the largest group by 2006 roughly 45%. Similarly, the 34-39 group also saw a significant increase, reach around 30% by the end of the period.
Both the 25-30 and over-40 age groups went up and down during the period. The 25-30 group rose between 1966 and 1986 and fell slightly in 2006. In contrast, the over-40 group dropped first and increased by 2006.