When Ananya Mehra had her first child at 34, she was often asked why she waited so long. For her, the answer was simple: she wanted career stability, financial security and mental readiness before becoming a mother. Her story reflects a growing demographic shift across India’s major cities.
Recent government data shows a sharp rise in births among women aged 30–34 in urban centres like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, while childbirth in the early 20s is steadily declining. Experts say this shift is being driven by delayed marriage, higher education, demanding careers, rising living costs and a desire for emotional preparedness before parenthood.
Doctors and mental health professionals note that many women today want motherhood to be a choice, not a compromise. With better access to healthcare, prenatal screening and fertility treatments, healthy pregnancies in the early-to-mid 30s have become increasingly common. However, specialists stress the importance of informed planning and early fertility awareness.
While societal attitudes are slowly evolving, subtle judgement still exists. Yet, in metro India, the idea of the “right age” for motherhood is being redefined. Instead of age alone, readiness—physical, emotional and financial—is emerging as the new benchmark. For many urban women, becoming a mother later is not about delay, but about intention and control over their life choices.
