People are increasingly delaying having children, and this review explores the reasons behind this trend and the effectiveness of social policies in addressing it. The postponement of first births has become a significant trend in Western societies, with women having children at later ages than in previous decades. This shift is linked to various factors, including the availability of effective contraception, increased women's education and participation in the workforce, changes in values and gender equity, changes in partnership behaviors, housing conditions, and economic uncertainty. These factors contribute to the decision to delay childbearing. The review also highlights the impact of social policies on childbearing decisions. Some policies, such as maternity and paternity leave, childcare support, and family allowances, have been shown to help reduce the incompatibility between work and motherhood, enabling women to balance career and family life. However, the effectiveness of these policies varies, and there is a need for more research to understand their impact. The review also discusses the biological implications of delaying childbearing, including the decline in fertility with age and the challenges of conceiving later in life. It also notes that while some policies may help reduce the delay, other factors such as economic uncertainty and the difficulty of finding a partner can also contribute to the trend. In conclusion, the review emphasizes the complex interplay of individual, social, and policy factors that influence the timing of first births. It calls for a more comprehensive understanding of these factors and the development of effective policies to address the challenges of delaying childbearing.People are increasingly delaying having children, and this review explores the reasons behind this trend and the effectiveness of social policies in addressing it. The postponement of first births has become a significant trend in Western societies, with women having children at later ages than in previous decades. This shift is linked to various factors, including the availability of effective contraception, increased women's education and participation in the workforce, changes in values and gender equity, changes in partnership behaviors, housing conditions, and economic uncertainty. These factors contribute to the decision to delay childbearing. The review also highlights the impact of social policies on childbearing decisions. Some policies, such as maternity and paternity leave, childcare support, and family allowances, have been shown to help reduce the incompatibility between work and motherhood, enabling women to balance career and family life. However, the effectiveness of these policies varies, and there is a need for more research to understand their impact. The review also discusses the biological implications of delaying childbearing, including the decline in fertility with age and the challenges of conceiving later in life. It also notes that while some policies may help reduce the delay, other factors such as economic uncertainty and the difficulty of finding a partner can also contribute to the trend. In conclusion, the review emphasizes the complex interplay of individual, social, and policy factors that influence the timing of first births. It calls for a more comprehensive understanding of these factors and the development of effective policies to address the challenges of delaying childbearing.