Pregnancy Outcome of Multiparous Women Aged over 40 Years

Abstract

Objective . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal age on prenatal and obstetric outcome in multiparaous women. Materials and Methods . A retrospective case control study was conducted, including women aged 40 years and over (study group, n=97 ) who delivered at 20 week’s gestation or beyond and women aged 20–29 years (control group, n=97 ). Results . The mean age of women in the study group was 41.2±1.7 years versus 25.4±2.3 years in the control group. Advanced maternal age was associated with a significantly higher rate of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, fetal complication, and 5-minute Apgar scores <7 ( P<0.05 ). Caeserean section rate, incidence of placental abruption, preterm delivery, and neonatal intensive care unit admission were more common in the older group, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions . Advanced maternal age is related to maternal and neonatal complications.