A Clinical Study of Pregnancy and Delivery in Women Aged 40 Years and Older

Choi, Su Ran; Kim, Gwang Jun; Lee, Soon Pyo; Kim, Suk Young; Yoon, Seung Jun; Lee, Eui Don

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To access the pregnancy tendency and delivery in women aged 40 years and older.
METHODS
From January 1999 to June 2001, 7882 deliveries were in Gacheon Medical School. Among them we compared 95 cases of pregnant women aged 40 years and older with 94 cases of those aged under 40 years as a control group.
RESULTS
The parity was higher in women aged older than 40 years compared to control group. Number of prenatal special studies was higher in women aged older than 40 years (n=82) compared to control group (n=14). In modes of delivery and indications for c/sec, there were no difference in two groups. There were no difference in prenatal complications between two groups. But, number of cases related to placenta previa, myoma and anemia were increased in women aged older than 40 years. In postpartum complications, uterine atony and hysterectomy, postpartum bleeding and placenta accreta were higher in women aged older than 40 years compared to control group.
CONCLUSION
For pregnant women aged 40 years and older, a careful approach and appropriate management will be necessary for good pregnant outcome.