Perinatal statistics - parturients, delivers and newborns 2022

One in five deliveries resulted in a caesarean section

In 2022, 45 186 children were born in Finland, which is 9 per cent less than in 2021. The number of children born decreased continuously from 2011 to 2019. After a slight increase in birth rate in 2020–2021 the decline continued in 2022.

The average age of parturients has increased gradually. In 2022, the mean age of all those who gave birth was 31.7 years, and the average age of first-time mothers was 30.1 years.

The share of caesarean sections was 19.6 per cent of all deliveries in 2022 and remained stable compared to the previous year. Ten years ago, the share was 16.4 per cent. In 2022, a caesarean section was performed on 24.3 per cent of first-birth parturients and 15.9 per cent of parturients with prior deliveries. Primiparas aged 35 or over had 15 percentage points higher caesarean section rate compared to younger primiparas.

35 per cent of deliveries in 2022 were induced. The share is higher than ever before. Labour induction is more common among primiparas and those aged 40 or over.

The proportion of people who smoked during pregnancy has decreased gradually. In 2022, 7.5 percent of parturients smoked during early pregnancy. 55.9 per cent of all smokers quit smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy, compared to 41.9 per cent ten years earlier.

In 2022, the average pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of women giving birth was over 25 (26.0) for the fifth time. In total 27.7 per cent of all parturients were overweight (BMI 25.0–29.0) and 19.5 per cent were obese (BMI ≥ 30).

Note. The data in Figure 1 have been corrected on 7th November 2023. Previous information is available upon request.

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The proportion of caesarean sections was 19.6 percent in 2022, the same as in 2021. — Caesarean sections, primiparas and parturients with prior deliveries, parturients aged under 35 and parturients aged 35 and over, 2002–2022, %

Tables

Background information

Description of statistics

The statistics contain data on parturients, deliveries and newborns. The key indicators are number of parturients, their age, body mass index and mode of delivery. The statistics also include information on major birth procedures and newborns birthweight, as well as perinatal mortality.

The data on all births has been collected from 1987 onwards. Statistical information is presented as numbers and percentages at the level of the entire country and welfare service counties. In addition, the total numbers of births are presented by hospital.

The statistics are published annually in the autumn.

Source

Perinataalitilasto – synnyttäjät, synnytykset ja vastasyntyneet 2022
Perinatalstatistik – föderskor, förlossningar och nyfödda 2022
Perinatal statistics – parturients, deliveries and newborns 2022

Statistical Report 60/2023, 6.11.2023.
Official Statistics of Finland, Perinatal statistics. THL. OSF-logo