70% of women 35 years old have not had their first child
Currently Spain is facing a delicate situation at the demographic level. The number of births falls, the population age and in the long run this will have repercussions in areas such as pensions. Far from improving, the latest data point to a worsening and in fact the first child is past thirty.
Situation that not only makes it more difficult for a second child to arrive, but also increases the risks for both the woman and the child. The possibility of a new pregnancy it is drastically reduced and in some cases it leads the woman to undergo fertility treatments. Proof of this is how in recent times the number of applicants has increased.
Decline in birth
The data offered by the Spanish Fertility Society, SEF, during their last national congress, indicate that 70% of women of 35 years have not yet had their first child. Something that reduces the chances of becoming pregnant due to changes in the menstrual cycle and the quality of the ovules. It is not surprising that this fact relates directly to the increase in women who seek fertility treatments.
With respect to the previous data, the increase is 9%. However, although these treatments offer an alternative way to achieve pregnancy, it does not mean that the risks both for the mother and for the future child. Among these dangers include:
- A higher risk of complications in pregnancy. The possibility of ending in a cesarean section also increases.
- Increased chance of problems in the placenta leading to severe bleeding during delivery that can endanger the mother and baby.
- The baby is more likely to be born with a lower weight.
- Increases the likelihood that the baby will have genetic disorders.
- The possibility of generational change is reduced.
How to improve the situation
Given the current situation of motherhood, organizations such as the Family Policy Institute, IPF, proposes several policies with which to encourage the number of births:
- Protect the rights of the family.
- Incorporate the "family perspective" when legislating and considering the family as a long-term investment.
- Take into account the concept of family as the basis and backbone of society.
- Consider the family as one of the indispensable pillars to protect the future of society.
- Incorporate a support policy for the family that takes into account all the areas that affect these nuclei.
Damián Montero