author(s)
A Priscillal Devakirubai and Dr. Mariam OJ

abstract
It is believed that women in their early years of reproduction in order to attain personal autonomy choose to delay pregnancy by delaying the marriage and opt to take up the career path. Delayed child bearing is an accepted norm in todays world. The objective of this study was to identify the reasons why women delay the pregnancy. A cross sectional descriptive survey was carried out in a tertiary care hospital Panchkula, Haryana in 2017. One thirty (130) pregnant women with 30yrs+1 day of completed ate were included in the survey. Multiple reasons were mentioned in the questionnaire finally were grouped into six categories. This survey revealed that 46.1% of the women delayed pregnancy due to socio-demographic reasons. 25.4% had bad obstetrical events 10% wanted to have a male child. 9.2% of them had fertility related problems. 6.2% wanted to have one or two living issues. 3.1% wanted to have third child. Like the women in developed countries Indian women also given preference to their education, employment and financial stability. The fertility related problems and a frank opinion on the desire to have a male child as well as the desire for a third child were among the reasons for the delayed childbearing.