New CDC data shows a dramatic shift in when women start families
In the United States, the average age of first-time mothers is steadily rising — and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that in 2023, first-time mothers in the U.S. were 27.5 years old on average, up from 26.6 just seven years earlier. For all U.S. births, the average maternal age hit 29.6. That means more women are starting families later — reshaping the timeline of parenthood for millions of Americans.
How the Average Age of First-Time Mothers Has Shifted Over Time
This increase isn’t sudden — it’s the continuation of a long, gradual shift. Back in 1970, the average age of first-time mothers was just 21.4 years old. Since then, it has risen steadily, with a sharp acceleration after 2009.
From 2016 to 2023:
- First births among women aged 35 and older increased by 25%
- First births among women under 25 dropped by 26%
- The rate among women aged 25–29 remained steady, now becoming the most common age range for new mothers
It’s clear that American women are making different choices about when to start families — and they’re waiting longer than ever to do it.
Who’s Waiting Longer—And Where They Live Matters
The CDC study also highlights significant differences across regions and racial groups.
- In large metro areas, first-time moms average 28.5 years old
- In rural areas, the average drops to 24.8 years
Among racial and ethnic groups, here’s how things stack up in 2023:
- Asian women: 31.5 years
- White women: 28.3 years
- Black women: 25.9 years
- Hispanic women: 25.7 years
Each group showed a measurable increase since 2016 — but the gap between communities remains wide, influenced by culture, opportunity, and access to care.
Why More Women Are Delaying Motherhood
Several factors are driving the trend toward later parenthood.
Dr. Andrei Rebarber, a maternal-fetal medicine expert in New York City, points to a mix of personal and practical motivations. “Pregnant people are choosing when to have their children often based on financial stability, timing of stable relationships, various personal goals, and career aspirations,” he said in a statement to ABC News.
Modern reproductive technologies are also playing a role. Egg freezing, IVF, and fertility monitoring apps give women more options — and more time. “Patients are under less pressure to reproduce at earlier maternal ages,” Rebarber added.
A New Family Timeline Is Taking Shape
The rise in the average age of first-time mothers marks a major shift in American life. From educational milestones and careers to housing costs and healthcare access, today’s women are planning families with more intention — and often, more delay.
And while no age is the “right” age to have a child, one thing is clear: the timing of motherhood is changing, and with it, the shape of the modern American family.
