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Reproductive pattern among women in 19th century Sweden

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Ulf Högberg
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå University Hospital, Sweden
Sune Åkerman
Affiliation:
Department of History, Umeå University, Sweden

Summary

Among the married female population in rural areas of 19th century Sweden infertility and subfertility were found in 7·5% and 6·1% respectively with increasing incidence during the latter half of the century. In relation to the age group 20–24, fecundity declined by 42% and 92% in the age groups 35–39 and 40–45 respectively. One-third of married women died before age 50. Re-marriages and step-parents were common. Less than half of the married women brought up the majority of the children in the community.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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