Re-evalution of the obsteric of the older primipara

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the obstetric performance of older [>/= 35 years] primiparous women. The obstetric data of 77 consecutive older primigravid women who were registered for pregnancy care, were analyzed for their obstetric performances, and compared with 50 randomly chosen older [35 years] multiparas and 50 young [<35 years] primiparas. The study was conducted in King Khalid University Hospital [KKUH] over a five year period from January 01, 1991 to December 31, 1995. Significant differences observed were a higher incidence of hypertension and pre-eclampsia and fibroids and infertility in the older primiparas. The frequencies of operative deliveries [vacuum, and cesarean section] were significantly greater in the older primiparas. No significant difference was noted in the post natal course of the three groups, nor was there any significant difference in perinatal morbidity. Although older primiparous woman have higher rates of complications of pregnancy [pre-eclampsia] and delivery [vacuum and cesarean section], their risk of poor neonatal outcome is not appreciably increased