Reproductive pattern among women in 19th century Sweden.

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.