Short-Term Outcomes of Singleton Newborns Born to Very Advanced Age Mothers—A Case Control Study in a Single Maternity and Neonatal Center in Israel

Abstract

Background: Increasing rates of very advanced maternal age (VAMA, 45 years of age and older) are reported worldwide. Data are available on maternal pregnancy-related morbidity, but they are lacking on the infants’ overall post-partum well-being, including congenital malformations, neonatal complications, and breastfeeding status. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review during the period of 7 years (January 2013 to December 2019). Clinical data recorded in the medical files of 626 VAMA mothers and their singleton newborns in comparison to matched controls comprised advanced maternal age (AMA) mothers and mothers between 20 and 35 years of age. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the data was performed. Results: The infants were significantly less exclusively breastfed during hospitalization (17.4% vs 33.9% and 32.1%, respectively, P <.001). The rate of early transient hypoglycemia was also significantly higher among the newborns of VAMA mothers compared to the AMA and younger-aged mothers (14.7% vs 11.8% and 7%, respectively, P <.001), as was special care unit hospitalization (18.7% vs 15.5% and 13.3%, respectively, P =.03). There was no difference in any other analyzed parameters. Conclusions: Newborns of VAMA mothers are less likely to be exclusively breastfed during hospitalization. They do not exhibit significantly increased major neonatal morbidities, but are more likely to sustain hypoglycemia and neonatal caregivers should be alert to the possibility of newborn early transient hypoglycemia. In an era of growing evidence of the beneficial impact of breast milk on development and immunization, VAMA mothers should be guided and encouraged to breastfed their newborns.