The number of children born in the Nordic countries decreased by 8.3% in 2022. This was the highest annual change in the number of children in over fifty years, said the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release.
Total fertility also decreased in all Nordic countries in 2022. Finland had the lowest total fertility rate by far (1.32), while Iceland (1.59) and Denmark (1.55) had the highest rates.
"According to preliminary data, the decline in the number of children born continued in all Nordic countries except Norway in 2023. In Finland, the fertility rate continues to decrease. According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, it was 1.26 in 2023," said Research Professor of THL Mika Gissler.
In the Nordic countries, parturients are increasingly older. The mean age of both primiparas and parturients with prior deliveries rose in all Nordic countries in 2022.
The proportion of parturients aged 35 and over was 26.4% in Finland in 2022. In the other Nordic countries, the percentage varied between 20.0% and 24.3%.
The higher age of parturients is associated with many risks related to childbirth and pregnancy and also the person’s overall number of children.
The proportion of those with a pre-pregnancy BMI of at least 30 was highest in Finland (19.5%) and Sweden (17.6%) and slightly lower in Denmark (15.2%) and Norway (14.8%). This proportion has increased considerably in all Nordic countries in the 2000s.
Smoking during the early stages of pregnancy has decreased in all Nordic countries. In Finland, the number of smokers in early pregnancy remained the highest in the Nordic countries for a long time, but in the 2010s and 2020s, the proportion of smokers has decreased close to that of the other Nordic countries.
An increasing number of women who smoke at the beginning of pregnancy stop smoking during pregnancy, and the proportion of those who smoke at late pregnancy has decreased.
The number of those who smoke towards the end of pregnancy decreased the most in Norway, where almost 14% of parturients smoked a few decades ago. In 2022, this percentage was only 0.9.
The highest number of parturients smoking in late pregnancy was recorded in Denmark, where 4.7% of parturients smoked towards the end of pregnancy in 2022.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
I believe that the decreasing fertility rates in the Nordic countries, especially in Finland, are concerning. It is crucial for the government to implement policies that support families and encourage childbearing, as a declining population can have significant social and economic implications in the long term.
Why is Finland’s fertility rate the lowest in the Nordics? What factors are contributing to this trend?
Hey Emily85, the low fertility rate in Finland is influenced by various factors such as changes in societal norms, increased education and employment opportunities for women, high cost of living, and the trend of delaying marriage and having children. These factors have collectively contributed to the decline in birth rates in the country.
It’s concerning to see the decline in birth rates and the increasing age of parturients in the Nordic countries. Finland’s low fertility rate raises questions about the country’s support for families and childcare. More efforts are needed to address these challenges.
Why is Finland’s total fertility rate so much lower compared to Iceland and Denmark? Any specific reasons driving this trend?
Hey EmilyJohnson, the lower total fertility rate in Finland compared to Iceland and Denmark can be attributed to various factors such as changing societal norms, economic uncertainty, and a higher proportion of older parturients. These factors contribute to a complex landscape affecting childbirth decisions and overall fertility rates. It’s a multifaceted issue that requires a closer look at the unique dynamics within each country.
It’s concerning to see the declining fertility rates in the Nordic countries, especially in Finland. The trends of older parturients and higher pre-pregnancy BMI levels raise important health and social issues that need to be addressed urgently.
It’s concerning to see the declining birth rates in the Nordic countries, especially in Finland. The trend of fewer births and older parturients raises valid concerns about the future demographics and healthcare challenges. It’s crucial for policymakers to address the factors contributing to this decline and prioritize support for families and maternal health.
Finland’s low total fertility rate is concerning. It’s imperative to address the factors contributing to this decline and find solutions to support families and encourage childbearing.
It’s concerning to see such a drastic decline in the number of children born and the decreasing fertility rates in Finland and other Nordic countries. The trend of older parturients and higher pre-pregnancy BMIs raises important health and demographic challenges for society.
Why is Finland’s fertility rate so much lower compared to other Nordic countries?
As a mother of two, I find these statistics concerning. It’s worrying to see the decline in the number of children born and the increasing age of parturients in the Nordic countries. We need to address the underlying factors contributing to these trends to ensure a healthier future for our society.
It’s concerning to see the decline in the number of children born in the Nordic countries. Finland’s low total fertility rate raises questions about the societal factors impacting family planning. The trend towards older parturients also highlights potential risks for both mothers and babies. Policy measures and support systems may need to be reevaluated to address these challenges.