Rising trends of late marriage and delayed conception - a public health concern

Authors

  • Rahul Singh Sangath Bhopal Hub, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Anuja Lahiri Sangath Bhopal Hub, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20260727

Keywords:

Rising trends , Public health concern, Delayed conception

Abstract

The trend of late marriage and delayed conception is increasingly evident in India, reflecting changing socio-economic aspirations and lifestyle transitions. According to the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS-5), the median age at first marriage for women has increased to 19.2 years nationally and in several urban states, it is well above 21 years. Similarly, the median age at first birth has shifted upward, indicating the postponement of parenthood. While this may highlight social progress, it carries several medical and social implications that warrant attention.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) and ICF. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5),2019-21: India. Mumbai: IIPS. 2021. Available at: https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR375/FR375.pdf. Accessed on 15 November 2025.

Bewley S, Davies M, Braude P. Which career first? The most secure age for childbearing remains 20-35. BMJ. 2005;331:588-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7517.588

Nybo Andersen AM, Wohlfahrt J, Christens P, Olsen J, Melbye M. Maternal age and fetal loss: Population-based register linkage study. BMJ. 2000;320:1708-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.320.7251.1708

Paulson RJ, Sauer MV, Lobo RA. Pregnancy in the older woman: Clinical issues. Semin Reprod Endocrinol. 1995;13(2):123-8.

Bray I, Gunnell D, Davey Smith G. Advanced paternal age: How old is too old? J Epidemiol Community Health. 2006;60:851-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2005.045179

Malaspina D, Harlap S, Fennig S, Heiman D, Nahon D, Feldman D, et al. Advancing paternal age and the risk of schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001;58(4):361-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.58.4.361

Downloads

Published

2026-02-27

How to Cite

Singh, R., & Lahiri, A. (2026). Rising trends of late marriage and delayed conception - a public health concern. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 13(3), 1614–1615. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20260727

Issue

Section

Letter to the Editor