Older maternal age and pregnancy outcome

ABSTRACT

A prospective study of 357 pregnancy women 35 uears older who were delivered at Baghdad Teaching Hospital from August 1,1993, to June 30, 1994 was undertaken. Pregnancy was compared with a control group of 380 women whose ages were 20-29 years at delivery. There was a significant increase in the incidence of the following complications hypertension, diabetes, varicose veins, pretem delivery and post partum haemorrhage. The incidence of operative deliveries was increased in old pregnant women compared to the control group. Infants of older women had a significant increase in macrosomia, low birth weight, low Apgar scores, anomalies and perinatal death. Pohysicians caring for older pregnant women must be aware of the risks in order to provide comprehensive medical and obstetrical care