The bar chart provides data on the age groups at which Australian women gave birth to their first child in three specific years: 1966, 1986, and 2006.
Generally speaking, in 1966, most women gave birth to their first child between the ages of 20 and 24. Moreover, there was a clear shift over time toward older age groups, especially in 2006. In addition, the proportion of younger mothers (aged under 20 and 20–24) significantly declined, while older age groups (30–34 and 35–39) saw remarkable increases.
Regarding comparison between 1966 and 1986, the key features of 1966 is the majority of first-time births were in the 20–24 age group (over 60%). Furthermore, the 19-and-under and 25–29 groups also had considerable figures with very few women gave birth at age 30 or older. Also, the changes in 1986 in the 20–24 age group still had the highest rate, but it decreased and the 25–29 group increased noticeably. Moreover, older age groups (30–34 and 35–39) started to become more common.
To begin with trends in 2006, the key features of 2006 is the 30–34 age group became the most common age for first-time childbirth with the 25–29 and 35–39 groups also accounted for large proportions. In addition, younger age groups (under 20 and 20–24) experienced a sharp decline and the 40+ group saw a slight go up but remained relatively low.