Motherhood in Argentina: fewer children, at later ages and more single-parent families

In recent decades, there has been a steady increase in the average age at which women decide to have children, along with a decrease in the number of children per woman. This phenomenon, which is replicated globally, responds to a complex interaction of social, economic and cultural factors.

The search for professional development, financial autonomy, access to contraceptive methods, the increase in single-parent households and the diversity of family models are some of the factors that have influenced the demographic change in countries like Argentina.

Globally, the fertility rate has experienced a constant decline in recent decades. According to data from the World Bank, in 1990 The average global fertility rate was 3.3 children per womanwhile In 2022 it stood at 2.3.

In Argentina, the trend is no different. Between 2010 and 2022, the total fertility rate went from 2.35 to 1.88 children per woman. At the same time, the average age of pregnancy has increased steadily. At the level of the entire country, according to the Birth and Fertility Report in Argentina between 1980 and 2019 published in 2021 by the National Population Directorate, in the years 1980, 1991 and 2001, the highest levels of fertilityand concentrate on the 25-29 year old group. While in 2019, The figures extended to the population between 30-34 years old.

“Among the factors that have led to this change in reproductive decisions are mainly access to education and the insertion of women in the labor market. The search for professional development and financial autonomy is crucial, since many women prefer establish themselves professionally before starting a family,” explained Romina Pesce, doctor specializing in gynecology and obstetrics, MN 105243.

The specialist also pointed out other changes that motherhood has seen in recent years: “access to contraceptive methods, the increase in single-parent households of women who decide to face motherhood alone, and the diversity of family models, have modified the social perception of motherhood. and allowed women to more freely decide the right time to have children,” Pesce said.

This change in maternal dynamics has both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it stands out greater autonomy and freedom for women to make decisions about their reproductive life. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. The late motherhood can increase the risk of infertility and complications during pregnancy and childbirthfor both mother and baby.

“It should be emphasized that infertility problems in elderly women cannot always be solved with assisted fertilization treatments (ART). This is a false perception where it is assumed that reproductive difficulty can be resolved in all cases with treatments. Awareness programs should be aimed at educating and making visible the limitations in reproductive success both in spontaneous search and those associated with treatments, according to the advancement of maternal age,” added the specialist.

The decision to become a mother is one of the most important in a woman’s life. It is essential that this decision be made in a free, responsible and informed manner, considering all the aspects involved, both personal and social. Being a mother involves great responsibility and a lifelong commitment, so It is essential to be prepared to face this challenge.

In the context of Fertility Monthspecialists highlight the importance of having accurate and up-to-date information, while indicating that you should always consult with health professionals to better understand the options and take proactive measures to guarantee reproductive health.