Navigating Later-in-Life Pregnancy: Oh Cho-hee Asks for Support, Highlighting a Growing Trend
Actress Oh Cho-hee recently shared joyous news – she is expecting identical twins - a particularly remarkable event following a miscarriage earlier this year. She noted the incredibly low probability (0.4%) of identical twins, attributing it to a twin gene on her mother’s side. Her proclamation comes amidst a meaningful demographic shift in south Korea, where the age of first marriage and childbirth is steadily increasing.
National Data Agency figures show the average age for first marriage reached 33.9 years for men and 31.6 years for women last year. The OECD‘s “Social Indicators 2024” report places the average age of first-time mothers in Korea at 33.5 years, the highest among 33 surveyed nations and a rapidly rising figure. This trend has resulted in a growing proportion of mothers over 35,increasing from 26.4% in 2016 to 35.9% in 2023,according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
This shift towards later motherhood is accompanied by increased medical costs. Data reveals a 1.6-fold increase in medical expenses related to premature births, low birth weight, and congenital abnormalities between 2018 and 2023, rising from KRW 491.7 billion to KRW 788.5 billion. Specifically, costs for treating premature babies rose 44% (KRW 184.6 billion to KRW 264.9 billion) and congenital abnormalities increased by 70% (KRW 307.1 billion to KRW 523.6 billion).
Pregnancy in one’s 40s presents unique challenges, including a decreased chance of natural conception and a higher risk of miscarriage. Experts recommend a proactive approach to a healthy pregnancy for older mothers, emphasizing: pre-pregnancy health check-ups and lifestyle adjustments, consistent prenatal care, a balanced diet coupled with appropriate exercise, effective stress management and sufficient rest, and consultation with specialists for high-risk pregnancies. Early diagnosis and attentive prenatal care are particularly crucial in cases of multiple pregnancies or pregnancies in older mothers.
Oh Cho-hee’s experience underscores the possibility of a healthy pregnancy later in life, but also highlights the need for a supportive surroundings. she has reportedly requested understanding and support rather than concern regarding comments she’s received about her pregnancy.
People Power Party lawmaker Kim Mi-ae acknowledges the rising age of childbirth as a consequence of societal changes, advocating for expanded maternal and newborn treatment centers, strengthened prenatal and postnatal care, and improved local delivery infrastructure to ensure safe childbirth for all mothers, regardless of age.
Experts reiterate that with diligent medical care and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle,successful pregnancies and healthy children are achievable even with later motherhood. Oh Cho-hee’s story serves as a testament to this possibility, while together prompting a re-evaluation of the societal support systems needed to address the evolving needs of a growing population of older mothers.