Childbirth after age 40 is increasingly common, but a major Swedish study shows it may come with elevated risks for newborn health and survival. Globally, the age at which women become mothers is steadily increasing. In Sweden, 4.8% of all births in 2022 were to women aged 40 or older.
Researchers note that older mothers often differ from younger ones in health status, including higher BMI, increased use of fertility treatments, and more C-sections.
New Study Analyzes Over 300,000 Births
The study was published in Acta Paediatrica. It analyzed 312,221 births in Sweden from 2010 to 2022. The data was sourced from the National Medical Birth Register.
Twin births were excluded. The remaining children were grouped by maternal age into three categories. These categories are 35–39 (reference), 40–44, and 45 years or older. This grouping was done to assess age-specific health outcomes.
Serious Birth Complications Still Rare – But Risks Rise Sharply After 45
Lead researcher Sofia Voss emphasizes that serious complications remain rare in Sweden, but risks do increase with the mother’s age — especially past 45.
The rate of stillbirth in mothers over 45 was 0.83%, nearly double that of mothers aged 35–39, where the rate was 0.42%.
Premature Birth Risk Increases with Age
The study found a clear trend: as maternal age increased, so did the risk of preterm delivery.
- 35–39 years: 4.8%
- 40–44 years: 6.1%
- 45+ years: 8.4%
These statistics indicate a need for targeted care and early intervention for older pregnant women.
Low Birth Weight and Blood Sugar Irregularities More Common
Babies born to mothers over 45 were also more likely to have low birth weight. They were more likely to have low blood sugar at birth. Both are markers of potential neonatal complications.
These conditions often require monitoring or hospitalization, reinforcing the importance of prenatal screening in older pregnancies.
A More Nuanced Look at “Advanced Maternal Age”
Previous studies generally compared young and older mothers. This research goes further by comparing risks within advanced age groups themselves.
This approach helps healthcare providers deliver more tailored information and resources for women planning pregnancies later in life.
Data That Supports Better Planning and Policy
With maternal age rising globally, these findings can guide healthcare systems to allocate resources where risks are greatest. They also support informed reproductive choices.
“By identifying risk distributions among older mothers, we can fine-tune screenings. We can also enhance interventions,” says study author Sofia Voss of Uppsala University.
Informed Choices Are Essential
The study doesn’t suggest that women should avoid pregnancy after 40. Rather, it provides data to help women make well-informed decisions alongside medical professionals.
As Voss explains, it’s about clarity and preparedness — not fear. Accurate information ensures safer outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Childbirth after 40 is increasingly common, but Swedish data shows rising risks, especially past age 45. Targeted healthcare strategies and informed decisions can make all the difference.
