Birth characteristics of Shanghai residents compared and analyzed before and after two-child policy

ObjectiveTo compare and analyze the birth characteristics in Shanghai residents before and after the comprehensive two-child policy was carried out.

MethodsBirth registry data were collected from Shanghai population during October 2015 to March 2016 and during October 2016 to March 2017, for the comparison of changes in birth population before and after the two-child policy, and for the analysis on birth characteristics and its variation in population with different social and demographic features.

ResultsAfter the two-child policy was carried out, birth population of Shanghai permanent residents increased 16.04% for first child, and for two or more, increased 52.60%. The increase rate was higher in permanent residents than in non-permanent residents. The effects of the comprehensive two-child policy were mainly on women of relatively older age or with higher education. With women aged 30-34 and 35-39, second child birth rate increased 48.53% and 70.54% respectively and with women with higher education, second child birth rate increased 73.28%.

ConclusionFertility level of Shanghai population rose slightly, which was benificial to inhibition of the high sex ratio at birth. We should pay close attention to and follow up the implementation effect of the two-child policy.