Maternal Age As An Obstetric Risk Factor: Perinatal Outcomes In Elderly Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Delayed childbearing represents a phenomenon that increasing worldwide. Advanced maternal age have shown to complicate and worsen the pregnancy outcome and associated with morbidity and mortality.

Objective:To study the relationship of  maternal age as an obstetric risk factor with perinatal outcomes in elderly pregnant women

Subjects and Method: we conducted a cohortstudy  atthe Obstetrics and Gynecology Service of our Hospital for in one year (since March 1, 2018 to March 1, 2019). Included 100 Iraqi pregnant women at age of 35 or older as (study group) and 100 Iraqi pregnant women at age of 20-34 years as control group, both groups gave birth in our hospital during the same period of time.

Results: Thebaseline characteristics of the studied groups were not significantly different except .body mass index which was significantly higher in study group than controls, (P<0.05). Pregnancy induced hypertensionand gestational diabetes mellitus were more frequent in women at or older than 35 years old , antepartum hemorrhage, puerperal complications , lack of progression of labor and cesarean sections compared to controls, (P<0.05). Low birth weight and lower Apgar scores were more frequent in neonates of older women, (P<0.05). Also these neonates more likely to have respiratory distress, need more admission to NICU and had higher mortality rates than control group, (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Maternal age of 35 years or older  is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes. Maternal age  of 35 years or older  and overweight\ obesity were significant determinants andrisk factors of adverse perinatal outcomes.