Rising Trends in Prenatal Care Among Pregnant Women in Australia

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlights a notable increase in prenatal care engagement by expectant mothers across Australia. In 2023, approximately 79% of women who gave birth accessed prenatal services during their first trimester, marking a significant rise from 61% a decade earlier in 2013. This shift reflects growing awareness and the importance placed on early prenatal care for healthier pregnancy outcomes.

The report, titled "Australia’s Mothers and Babies," also reveals that the average age of women giving birth has been steadily climbing, reaching 31.3 years in 2023, up from 28.9 years in 1998. Additionally, the proportion of women aged 35 and above giving birth has increased from 23% in 2010 to 28% in 2023, while births among women under 25 have decreased to 11%. These demographic changes signify evolving reproductive trends and influence prenatal and postnatal healthcare planning.

In 2023, there were 285,305 births in Australia, with a birth rate of 52 per 1,000 women—representing the lowest rate since records began in 1998, continuing a downward trend since 2007 when the rate was 66 per 1,000. Most births (97%) occurred in hospital settings, predominantly in public hospitals (75%), while a smaller percentage took place in birth centers, at home, or in other locations.

The report also details patterns in pregnancy and birth practices, noting that the cesarean section rate has increased from 29% in 2004 to 41% in 2023. Public hospital maternity care remains the most utilized model, with around 45% of women receiving care there. Midwifery group practice models, providing continuity of care, were used by 11% of women, with others receiving care through private obstetricians.

Regarding neonatal outcomes, most babies (91%) were born at term (37–41 weeks), with a median gestational age of 39 weeks. Pre-term births (before 37 weeks) account for 8.4%, predominantly between 32 and 36 weeks. The majority of infants had normal birthweights, and neonatal mortality rates remained stable, with a rate of 2.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. Stillbirths, however, have seen an increase, with a rate of 8.7 per 1,000 births, which is under investigation due to possible contributing factors like legislative changes and better reporting.

This comprehensive data underscores ongoing improvements in prenatal care utilization and highlights demographic shifts, healthcare practices, and neonatal health outcomes that shape maternal and child health policies in Australia.