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Objective: To gain an understanding of womens' views surrounding decisions on the timing of childbearing., Study Design: This study was based on interviews with 18 childless women, from North-West England, in three age groups: Six women aged between 18 and 24; Six women aged between 25 and 34; and six women aged 35 or more. Data were analysed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach with thematic analysis., Results: Three main themes were identified. Women perceived themselves as living within boundaries, defined internally and externally; they aspired to being a great mother or no mother; and had a desire to contribute to family and society, at multiple levels. Risks associated with delaying childbearing had little or no influence on decision-making. The overarching phenomenon was social comparability; decisions were made in the context of women's knowledge and perceptions of others and a high degree of critical self-evaluation., Conclusion: We conclude that social reality dominates womens' reproductive decisions. Whilst the biological reality is that fertility reduces and medical complications increase with maternal age, social discourses deter women from acknowledging this. Medical risks associated with advanced maternal age are undermined by the notion that women can choose when to start a family., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To identify what factors affect women's decisions to delay childbearing, and to explore women's experiences and their perceptions of associated risks., Design: Systematic procedures were used for search strategy, study selection, data extraction and analysis. Findings were synthesised using an approach developed from meta-ethnography., Data Sources: We included qualitative papers, not confined to geographical area (1980-2009). Databases included CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, ASSIA, MIDIRS, British Nursing Index and the National Research Register. We selected qualitative empirical studies exploring the views and experiences of women of advanced maternal age who were childless or primigravidae with a singleton pregnancy or primiparous., Review Methods: Twelve papers fulfilled the selection criteria and were included for synthesis., Results: Women appear to face an issue of 'informed and uninformed decision making'; those who believe they are informed but may not be, those who are not informed and find out they are at risk once pregnant, and those who are well informed but choose to delay pregnancy anyway. Maternity services could provide information to enable informed choice regarding timing of childbearing., Conclusions: Health professionals need to be mindful of the fact that women delay childbearing for various reasons. A strategy of pre-conception education may be beneficial in informing childbearing decisions. Obstetricians and midwives should be sensitive to the fact that women may not be aware of all the risks associated with delayed childbearing., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The importance of modern contraceptive methods in averting unwanted pregnancies has been acknowledged in Malawi. Currently, the country has registered the highest rates of unsafe abortions, unmet needs for contraception and a low contraceptive prevalence rate. Understanding why these rates exist is important. However, women's views and experiences regarding uptake of family planning methods in Malawi have not been explored. A grounded theory methodology was used. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with women (n = 18), men (n = 10), healthcare workers (n = 10) and non-participant observations of family planning clinic consultations (n = 10). Data were analysed using constant comparative technique. Methods of open, axial and selective coding enabled subsequent conceptualisations until theoretical saturation occurred. The core category 'disenabling environment prevents women's family planning needs from being met' provides an understanding of women's, men's and healthcare workers' experiences of contraceptive use and non-use. The disenabling environment contributed to shaping women's family planning experiences. This was supported by three main categories: navigating the processes, disempowerment of women and learning by chance. Findings from this study illuminate contextual issues into how women, men and healthcare workers experience family planning use and non-use in Malawi. A multifaceted strategy is required to support a woman's family planning needs. At community level, awareness and education of family planning methods is required to actively inform all people in society so that they support a woman's family planning needs. At national level, laws that would empower women with decision-making ought to be developed and enforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]