A baby in their mothers lap. Photo: Irene Stachon / Lehtikuva
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The average duration of vaginal births in Finland has increased by almost two hours over the past two decades, according to new figures from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
In the early 2000s, the period from the start of cervical dilation to the end of pushing lasted just under eight hours on average. Current data shows that the same process now takes nearly ten hours.
Researchers say the longer delivery times are linked to both changes in childbirth practices and changes in the maternal population. One factor is the rising age of mothers.
In 2024, the average age of women giving birth in Finland was 31.9 years. Women aged 35 and above accounted for 27.7 percent of deliveries. Health officials note that older maternal age can be associated with longer labours.
The data also shows that caesarean sections represented just over 20 percent of all births in 2024, the highest level since records began in 1987.
THL said further research will explore the interplay between delivery methods, maternal age, and the length of labour.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
