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We compared the reasons for postponing first birth in the three neighbouring areas of St Petersburg (Russia), Estonia and Finland. Data from three population-based surveys among women aged 18-44 years in St Petersburg (response rate 67%); Estonia (54%) and Finland (63%) in the early 2000s were used and analysed with logistic regressions. Childbearing intentions and reasons for postponing parenthood differed between both study areas and age groups. The proportion of women aged 35-44 still planning to have children was highest in Estonia. In the two post-Soviet areas, job insecurity increased postponement intentions among women aged 18-34 years. Enrolment in education was an important reason for postponement among women below 35 years in Estonia and aged 25-34 years in St Petersburg. In Finland, poor economic situation in the youngest age group and desire to advance a career among all women were important reasons to postpone birth. The importance of prolonged education and job insecurity for the timing of births in St Petersburg and Estonia suggests that governments should improve family policy measures to encourage childbearing among the young. In Finland policies to support the reconciliation of family and career and to increase permanent employment could promote parenthood among well-educated women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]