Australia's mothers and babies

Although a range of data by Indigenous status (those who self-reported as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) have been presented in other sections, this section provides more in-depth information on First Nations mothers, babies born to First Nations mothers and First Nations babies.

Also see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies report, which explores the demographics, risk factors and health outcomes for First Nations mothers and babies in more detail. 

First Nations mothers

In 2023, First Nations mothers accounted for 5.6% (15,802) of women who gave birth. This proportion has increased since 2005 (3.7%, 9,868).

Figure 1 presents trend data for First Nations women who gave birth, by selected maternal characteristics, between 2010 (or earliest available year of data) and 2023.

There have been improvements in outcomes for First Nations mothers in recent years, with:

• an increase in the proportion of First Nations mothers attending an antenatal visit in the first trimester (from 51% in 2013 to 70% in 2023)
• a decrease in the proportion of First Nations mothers who reported smoking at any time during pregnancy (from 49% in 2011 to 38% in 2023).

The proportion of First Nations mothers aged under 20 who gave birth has been gradually decreasing from 20% in 2010 to 9.6% in 2023.

Around 3 in 5 (59%) First Nations mothers had a non-instrumental vaginal birth which has decreased from 68% in 2010, and around 1 in 3 (35%) gave birth by caesarean section which has increased from 26% in 2010. Most First Nations mothers had 5 or more antenatal visits (88%) which has ranged between 87% and 88% since 2018.

Babies of First Nations mothers

In 2023, babies born to First Nations mothers accounted for 5.6% (16,067) of all births. This proportion has increased since 2010 (3.9%, 11,633).

Figure 2 presents trend data for babies of First Nations mothers, by selected maternal and baby characteristics, between 2010 (or earliest available year of data) and 2023. 

Most (86%) babies of First Nations mothers were born at term (born from 37 to 41 weeks) and with a normal birthweight (87%) (birthweight between 2,500 and 4,499 grams; also referred to as 'healthy birthweight'). These proportions have been relatively stable since 2010; fluctuating between 85% and 87% for born at term, and 86% and 87% for normal birthweight.

More than three-quarters of babies of First Nations mothers had an appropriate birthweight adjusted for gestational age (77%), with 13% of babies born to First Nations mothers being small for gestational age. These proportions have been relatively stable since 2013; fluctuating between 76% and 77% for appropriate birthweight for gestational age, and 13% and 14% for small for gestational age.

In 2023, almost all babies of First Nations mothers (96%) had an Apgar score of 7–10 at 5 minutes after birth, indicating that they have adapted well post-birth. This proportion was 97% from 2010 to 2022.

Most babies of First Nations mothers had a hospital stay of 2–3 days (42%) in 2023, with 29% having a stay of 1 day and 11% having a stay of 4–5 days. 

The most common length of stay in hospital has changed over time for babies of First Nations mothers. Since 2010, there have been increases in the proportions of staying less than 1 day (4.8% in 2010 to 7.4% in 2023), and 1 day (20% in 2010 to 29% in 2023); with corresponding decreases in the proportions of staying 2–3 days (45% in 2010 to 42% in 2023), 4–5 days (16% in 2010 to 11% in 2023) and 6 days or more (13% in 2010 to 10% in 2023).

First Nations babies

First Nations babies are those whose mother or father (or both parents) are First Nations. In 2023, First Nations babies accounted for 7.2% (20,439) of all births. This proportion increased from 5.2% (16,149) in 2013.

A high proportion of First Nations babies were born at term (87%). This has been relatively stable since 2013; fluctuating between 86% and 87%

In 2023, 87% of First Nations babies had a normal, or healthy, birthweight. Increasing the proportion of First Nations babies with a healthy birthweight is one of the targets in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (CtG). Note that data reported here include all liveborn babies and are therefore not comparable to data reported for the CtG target which are limited to liveborn singleton babies only.

The outcomes for First Nations babies and babies of First Nations mothers are very similar. Figure 3 presents trend data for First Nations babies, by selected maternal and baby characteristics, between 2013 (or earliest available year of data) and 2023.

Remoteness area

Remoteness area can influence several key statistics for First Nations mothers and babies. For example, First Nations mothers who live in Very remote areas are less likely to access services which can impact a range of maternal and baby outcomes (Figure 4).

Despite improvements, First Nations mothers and babies continue to experience poorer health outcomes than non-Indigenous mothers and babies in some areas. There are complex interactions between maternal and perinatal health outcomes and the determinants of health, including both social determinants and health risk factors.

Further, First Nations women living in remote areas can experience poorer health outcomes, which are compounded by factors related to geographic isolation, such as poorer access to appropriate housing, essential services and employment opportunities (AIHW 2020). Access to culturally safe health care plays a significant role in the health outcomes for First Nations women and girls (AIHW, 2023).

References

AIHW (2020) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework 2020 summary report. Cat. no. IHPF 2. Canberra: AIHW.

AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2023) Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: monitoring framework, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 9 September 2024.