ABSTRACT
Background: Delayed childbearing is a growing trend in Iran.
Purpose: This study explores the perspectives of women on delayed childbearing.
Methods: A qualitative study using a content analysis approach was conducted on data acquired using private semistructured interviews with 23 women aged >=30 years who were childless or pregnant for the first time in an urban area of Iran.
Results: Three main themes were developed using conventional content analysis: "personal inclination," "perceived beliefs about delayed childbearing," and "social support."
Conclusions: Although women in Iran hold favorable attitudes toward childbearing, a wide range of sociocultural and economic factors encourage these women to postpone their first pregnancy. The findings of this study are relevant and important for nursing and midwifery policymaking in countries with cultural and contextual backgrounds similar to Iran.