Late motherhood: the experience of parturition for first time mothers aged over 35 years.

Australia, like other developed nations, is exhibiting a trend towards later childbearing. At present, the birth rate of women aged 35 years and older is growing faster than for any other age group. Approximately 35% of mothers aged >35 years are first-time mothers, and it is commonly held that these women have particular issues of adjustment to motherhood. This longitudinal qualitative study entitled 'Transition to motherhood for first-time mothers aged 35 years and above' explores their experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 primiparae aged >35, over three junctures: 35-38 weeks gestation; 7-10 days postpartum; and 6-8 months postpartum. Preliminary findings from interviews conducted immediately postpartum are presented in this paper. Participants identified adjustment to motherhood as a particularly challenging event.