Adult and child in Espoo during a snowstorm on December 22, 2023. LEHTIKUVA
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In 2023, Finland witnessed a surprising acceleration in the decline of birth rates, especially in the Uusimaa region, managed by the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS). The drop in childbirths was more rapid than anticipated, raising concerns about demographic trends and their implications for the country’s future.
HUS reported a 1.5% decrease in births within its jurisdiction compared to the previous year.
This followed a steep 10.1% fall a year earlier. The number of births in HUS hospitals reached 15,493, marking a 1.6% decline from 2022. HUS oversees childbirths in four major hospitals: Naistenklinikka, Espoo, Hyvinkää, and Lohja.
Aydin Tekay, Chief Physician and Line Manager of Emergency Services in Obstetrics and Gynecology at HUS, highlighted the significance of this trend. “The number of births was significantly lower than the Statistics Finland’s predictions made under the so-called ‘corona boom’ in 2021,” he said.
Among the hospitals, Hyvinkää experienced a positive trend with a 3.5% increase in childbirths, while Lohja also reported a marginal rise of 0.6%. In contrast, Espoo and Naistenklinikka observed decreases of 0.7% and 3.4%, respectively.
The 2023 data also revealed a slight increase in cesarean sections, accounting for 23.1% of all deliveries, compared to 22.7% in 2022. Tekay pointed out that fear of childbirth is a significant factor driving the demand for planned cesarean sections, with half of these surgeries performed for patients diagnosed with tokophobia (fear of childbirth).
“The rise in cesarean sections is in line with a global trend, and while it’s still moderate compared to other countries, there is a concerted effort to prevent further increases. The consequences of a higher rate of cesarean sections are significant, both economically and in terms of health,” Tekay noted.
These statistics paint a complex picture of Finland’s demographic future. The faster-than-expected decline in birth rates, combined with the subtle shifts in childbirth methods, poses challenges for the nation’s healthcare system and broader societal planning. As Finland grapples with these changing dynamics, the focus may need to shift towards understanding and adapting to these evolving trends.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
