Risks of Pregnancy Above the Age of Forty

Mohamed, Mohammed A.; Mustafa, Faisal A.; Ibrahem, Ola H.A.

doi:10.21608/mjmr.2022.221413

Risks of Pregnancy Above the Age of Forty

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University (Assiut)

10.21608/mjmr.2022.221413

Abstract

Background: Increasing maternal age is independently associated with specific adverse pregnancy
outcome. But, it was noted when patients of advanced maternal age were followed and delivered their
infants in modern tertiary care center, no increase in adverse outcome was noted. Objectives: This
prospective study in which maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnant women aged 40 years and
above compared with those of young women aged 25-35 who delivered in El-Eman General
Hospital. Patients and methods: 422 women were divided into 2 groups. The first group contain 211
women whose age ranges from 25-35 years, the second group contain 211 women whose age 40 years
and above. Results: There were significant increases in rates of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
among pregnant women aged over 40 years (12.3%) compared to older primigravida aged over 40
years. There was significant increase in the rate of preeclampsia among women aged over 40 years
(18.5%). Incidence of preeclampsia increase in grand muliparus women aged ≥ 40 years (18.5%) and
among women aged 25-23 years (7.6%). Risk of bad perinatal outcomes increases in relation to
medical diseases with pregnancy. Conclusion: Women aged ≥ 40 years have higher risk of Cesarean
section than young women. There were statistically significant increases in the rate of NICU referral
due to perinatal problems among women with advanced age. The mother's high age can be an
independent factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, complete awareness of pregnancy outcomes in
these age groups for midwives and gynecologist is needed to protect health of mothers.

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