[Marriage and first child: a bond that is loosening].

Changes in the relationship over time between marriage and the first child in France are explored. The author first notes that in the 1970s the growing practice of modern contraceptive methods led to a decrease in the rate of conceptions outside marriage. However since 1978 a new increase in ex-nuptial conceptions has occurred many more of which result in births outside marriage. The links between first births and marriage have also loosened within marriage as births are now almost as frequent in the two or three years following marriage as in the first year. Differences by socioeconomic and educational status are analyzed. (summary in ENG SPA)