Table 1 Women’s sociodemographic characteristics and childbearing experiences
Characteristic | Women (n = 17) | Women giving birth in Australiaa |
|---|---|---|
Average age (years) (range) | 32.6 (24–43) | 30.4 |
Country of birth | ||
Born in Australia | 7 (41.2%) | 67% |
Born overseas | 10 (58.8%) | 33% |
Highest level of education | ||
Post-secondary school qualification | 15 (88.2%) | |
No post-secondary school qualification | 2 (11.8%) | |
Relationship status | ||
Partnered | 17 (100%) | |
Not partnered | 0 (0.0%) | |
Healthcare concession card | ||
Yes | 2 (11.8%) | |
No | 15 (88.2%) | |
Private health insurance | ||
Yes | 9 (52.9%) | |
No | 8 (47.1%) | |
BMI | ||
Normal weight (<24.9 kg/m2) | 8 (47.1%) | 54% |
Overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) | 3 (17.6%) | 26% |
Obese (≥30 kg/m2) | 6 (35.3%) | 20% |
Fertility problems | ||
Yes | 5 (29.4%) | |
No | 12 (70.6%) | |
Average ideal number of children (range) | 2.6 (2–4) | |
Average number of pregnancies (range) | 2.3 (1–6) | |
Average number of live births (range) | 0.8 (0–2) | |
Average number of unintended pregnancies (range) | 0.2 (0–2) | |
Average age at first birth (years) (range) | 30.0 (19–41) | |
Mode of delivery (index pregnancy) | ||
Vaginal | 9 (56.3%) | 67% |
Caesarean section | 7 (43.8%) | 33% |
Average baby birth weight (kgs) (range) | 3.3 (2.4–4.1) | 3.335 |
Baby admitted to NICU or SCU | ||
Yes | 6 (40.0%) | 15% |
No | 9 (60.0%) | |
Infant feeding | ||
Breastfeeding | 16 (100%) | 96% |
Average weight at end of pregnancy (kgs) (range) | 93.5 (65–150)b | |
Average weight gain during pregnancy (kgs) (range) | 12.8 (−5.5–23)b | |