One in five deliveries resulted in a caesarean section in 2022
The share of caesarean sections was 19.6% of all deliveries in 2022. Ten years ago, the share was 16.4%. In 2022, a caesarean section was performed on 24.3% of primiparas and 15.9% of parturients with prior deliveries. Primiparas aged 35 or over had 15 percentage points more caesarean sections than younger primiparas.
“The increase in the proportion of caesarean sections stopped in 2022, which is good news. Many factors affect the number of sections, such as the age of the parturient, previous deliveries, fear of childbirth and treatment practices,” explains Mika Gissler, Research Professor at THL.
The number of induced deliveries is increasing
35% of deliveries in 2022 were induced. The share is bigger than ever before. The increase in the number of induced deliveries is due to the same factors as the increase in the number of caesarean sections.
“Labour induction is more common among primiparas and those aged 40 or over. The likelihood of inducing labour also correlates with the mother’s body mass index and is higher among those with chronic illnesses before pregnancy,” says Gissler.
The birth rate continues to decline
45,186 children were born in Finland in 2022, nine per cent less than in 2021. The number of children born decreased continuously from 2011 until 2019. After a small increase in 2020–2021, the decline in birth rates continued in 2022.
According to preliminary data for 2023, 4.5 per cent fewer children were born in January–September than in the previous year.
Statistics Finland, preliminary population statistics
Read more in Perinatal statistics - parturients, delivers and newborns
Further information
Mika Gissler
Research Professor
tel. +358 29 524 7279
[email protected]
Anna Heino
Senior Specialist
tel. +358 29 524 7177
[email protected]
Nora Hauhio
Planning Officer
tel. +358 29 524 8134
[email protected]
