Baby No. 100 of the year cried in the maternity ward of the University Hospital "St. Marina" - Pleven. Little Andrea was born at 08:50, weighing 3780 g and measuring 51 cm. The event comes at a time when the birth rate in the European Union is reaching its lowest levels since statistics have been kept, according to Eurostat data published just a few days ago.
Andrea is the first child for Reni Ivanova and Antoine Todorov from the town of Svishtov. The 24-year-old mother chose to give birth in Pleven after her pregnancy was monitored by Dr. Yordanka Yordanova. The birth was performed by cesarean section by the hospital team, and the mother and the newborn received gifts from the maternity ward as a gesture on the occasion of the wonderful event.
„I chose UMBAL „St. Marina“ – Pleven, because Dr. Yordanova is here, who monitored the pregnancy and I am very happy with my choice. Here, the attitude towards pregnant women, mothers, care for babies and mothers is at a very high level. The birth was by cesarean section and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire team that took care of me and my child“, shared the excited mother.
Birth rate in Europe today
The 100th anniversary baby for the year at UMBAL „St. Marina“ – Pleven comes against the backdrop of worrying Eurostat data, published just days ago, which show a deepening decline in the birth rate.
• In 2024, 3.55 million babies were born in the EU - 3.3% fewer than the previous year;
• The fertility rate fell to 1.34 children per woman, the lowest level since the beginning of measurements.
The trend remains below the natural population reproduction level and affects all member states. A number of countries, including Bulgaria, have seen a sustained decline in births over the past decade.
Long-term projections paint an even more serious picture. By 2100, Europe's population is expected to decline by around 11.7%, or approximately 53 million people. After reaching a peak around 2029, a gradual and permanent population decline is predicted.
The role of hospitals at this time
Against this background, the trust of future parents in medical institutions is becoming increasingly important. At the University Hospital “St. Marina“ the maternity ward works with a focus on comprehensive monitoring of pregnancy, safety during childbirth and care for newborns.
The case of baby No. 100 is not only a cause for joy, but also a clear sign of the importance of quality medical care in the conditions of demographic decline. It shows that the choice of hospital and trust in the medical team are becoming an increasingly decisive factor for future parents.