Obstetric outcome in elderly gravida

Background: Maternal age is an important determinant of the outcome of pregnancy. Advanced maternal age generally signify age after 35 years at the time of delivery. It is associated with decreased fertility and increased risk. Elderly gravida is associated with many complications during pregnancy, labour and also for the baby. In recent times women has changed their lifestyles such as pursuit of higher education and entry into work forces and career advancement outside the home.Methods: This was a retrospective study done in 57 elderly pregnant women more than 33 years age, over a period of 18 months, conducted in a multi-specialty hospital.Results: 57 elderly pregnant women were selected for the study. 47% were in age group of 33-35 years and 42% were in age group of 36-40 years. 61.40% patients were housewives and 38.59% were employed. 50.8% of patients had history of previous abortions and 35% were conceived after treatment for sterility. 64.9% of patients conceived spontaneously and 35% by assisted reproductive technology. Majority of patients (33.3%) required Invitro-fertilization. Multiple pregnancy was high- 21.05%. Hypertension was observed in 26.3% of patients, Antepartum haemorrhage in 4.34%,  Preterm delivery  49.1%, Induction of labour in 10.52%, Normal vaginal delivery only in14%. Majority of patients (80.7%) were delivered by caesarean section.Conclusions: Elderly pregnant patients have higher risks of specific pregnancy complications which contribute to a higher frequency of maternal morbidity and greater health care costs. The risks are due to Hypertension, diabetes, multiple pregnancy, preterm labour, antepartum haemorrhage, PROM, malpresentation, prolonged labour, increased caesarean section rate and postpartum haemorrhage.