Age of first pregnancy in Brazil: Data from the national health survey

Abstract

Introduction: The fertility pattern of the Brazilian population has changed considerably in recent decades. Socioeconomic and cultural inequalities can influence the age of first pregnancy, and the identification of these inequalities is a key aspect of monitoring and evaluating women's health care policies. Objective: To analyze the age of women in their first pregnancy and related socioeconomic characteristics in Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional study using data from the National Health Survey 2013, analyzing women from 18 to 49 years old and their age at first pregnancy, categorized by socioeconomic variables. Results: The Northern Region presented the highest percentage of pregnancy for the 10 to 14 years old stratum. The first pregnancy at the age of 15-19 years obtained the highest percentages for all regions, with a significant difference between the North and Southeast regions. The Southeast region obtained the highest percentage of first pregnancy at the age of 30 to 39 years. The first pregnancy at the age of 15-19 years was significantly higher among separated women; without instruction; and living in rural areas. The first pregnancy from 10 to 14 was associated with the largest number of births that a woman will have throughout her life, with a higher prevalence of 5 to 9 births. Conclusion: In Brazil, a large proportion of first pregnancies still occur in adolescence. The states of the northern region stand out with lower average ages in the first pregnancy, and this event is related to the worst socioeconomic conditions.