Despite the fact that from a physiological point of view the optimal age for giving birth is 20 years old, modern medical approaches and technologies force us to discard the outdated prejudice that the first birth after 25 is already too late. This was stated in an interview with UNN by the director of the Perinatal Center of the capital, professor, Honored Doctor of Ukraine Dmytro Hovseiev.
From the standpoint of physiology — from 20 years. But 30 and more years — is normal. I do not share the standards that existed previously - the "aged primipara." Back then, it was the norm that for a woman who gave birth at 25, we already had to indicate this. Yes, with age the risk of certain genetic anomalies increases. But we have the opportunity to conduct testing — there is genetic screening, there is the possibility to fully restore the chromosomal history of the fetus… Technologies are already completely different
According to him, the oldest woman in labor in his practice was a 62-year-old woman.
At the same time, according to Dmytro Hovseiev, the birth rate in the capital is falling. In the first quarter of 2025, 5,029 children were born in the city. This year — 4,280.
I can say that we (at the Perinatal Center - ed.) had 8,300 births in 2024. In 2025 — already 7,600. For the first quarter of 2026 — already 250 births fewer than during the same period of 2025
This situation forces competition for the patient, as institutions receive money from the National Health Service based on the number of services provided.
And the reality is that patients follow the doctor. And this should encourage doctors to have sufficient professional authority so that women want to give birth specifically with this obstetrician-gynecologist
The Perinatal Center is the only monoprofile obstetric institution in the capital. Everyone who falls under the system of medical guarantees can use its services free of charge. The NHSU allocates about 20 thousand hryvnias for normal childbirth, by any means — cesarean section or natural.
At the same time, the institution provides paid services as well; they can be used by those who do not fall under the system of medical guarantees, or those who want to receive additional services.
As of today, we have paid services in two areas: individual support and separate accommodation conditions – meaning a separate improved ward where the mother can stay with her husband. But I will emphasize once more: ordinary childbirth - even with pain relief or if you want with the husband's presence - does not require additional payment
In addition to extra comfort for patients, this is also an additional incentive for the staff.
Choosing a doctor is not a medical service. A medical service is the provision of medical care. But choosing a doctor or obtaining separate accommodation conditions is a paramedical service; it must be taxed. And we can take money for this officially. This is prescribed in our regulations. Both the doctor is protected, and the woman officially receives the service for which she paid. And she receives certificates of completion, as strange as it may sound — to deliver a baby and issue a certificate — but this is work, this is a service