Korean J Perinatol.  2007 Jun;18(2):125-130.

Impact of Maternal Age of 40 Years or Older on Pregnancy Outcomes

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. leegsr@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of maternal age on perinatal and obstetric outcomes with respect to maternal age older than 40 years.
METHODS
A retrospective review of maternal and newborn medical records of women who delivered their babies in the hospitals of the Catholic University of Korea between January 1, 2000 and July 1, 2005 was conducted to compare pregnancy complications and perinatal outcomes in three age groups; women aged 25~29 years (group A; n=214), those aged 35~39 years (group B; n=276), and those aged 40 years and older (group C; n=347).
RESULTS
The incidences of GDM (gestational diabetes mellitus), preterm birth and cesarean section in group C were by far the greatest among the three groups. The incidence of postterm delivery in group A was the highest among the three groups. Previous cesarean section and elderly gravida were the most frequent causes of cesarean section in group C. The incidences of low birth weight (<2,500 g) and the NMICU(neonatal medical intensive care unit) admission rate in group C were higher than those in group B, but not significantly different from those in group A.
CONCLUSION
Maternal ages of 35~39 years do not appear to be associated with adverse perinatal and obstetrical outcomes. Maternal ages of over 40 years influence the incidences of PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension), GDM, preterm birth, cesarean section, placenta previa, low birth weight and NMICU admission.

Keyword

Advanced maternal age; Perinatal outcome; Obstetric outcome

MeSH Terms

Aged
Cesarean Section
Female
Humans
Incidence
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Critical Care
Korea
Maternal Age*
Medical Records
Placenta Previa
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy Outcome*
Pregnancy*
Premature Birth
Retrospective Studies
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