Difference in Maternal Weight Gain and Pregnancy Outcomes According to Pregnancy at an Advanced Maternal Age at a Single Women's Hospital in South Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the differences of pregnancy outcomes according to advanced-age pregnancy among Korean women in South Korea. METHODS: This study used nursing records of 242 women who gave birth at a single women's hospital in South Korea. Data consisted of maternal obstetric history, maternal body weight, gestational age, birth types, newborn's Apgar scores, and newborn's physical measures. Data were collected between June and December of 2015. Data were analyzed using mean, percentage, t-test, chi test, Fisher's exact test, and repeated general linear model. RESULTS: The differences of obstetric characteristics according to pregnancy at maternal age over 35 years were not significant. Maternal body weight was affected not by pregnancy at advanced maternal age (F=0.10, p=0.182) but by weight before pregnancy (F=35.56, p<0.001). Pregnancy outcome concerning newborn's Apgar scores and physical measure did not differ between mothers who were at an advanced age and those who were not. Planned pregnancies were more common at maternal age ≥35 than at age <35. Natural childbirth and cesarean section in mothers at maternal age ≥35 was lower than at age <35. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that maternal weight and pregnancy outcomes of newborns were not different according to pregnancy at advanced maternal age. Type of birth was more risky than natural in advanced age. Therefore, health care provider should pay attention to the planning process, pregnancy, and birth in women with advanced maternal age.