STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE AT OBSTETRIC AND PERINATAL LEVEL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Advanced maternal age is commonly considered to be 35 years or older. The association between adverse perinatal outcomes and advanced maternal age has been a matter of controversy in several studies. While some researchers have noted an increased rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women older than 35 years, others have failed to nd any association between advanced maternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes. This discordance in conclusions could be attributed to the heterogeneity of study populations, differences in the denition of pregnancy outcomes, and failure to adjust for potential confounders. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of advanced maternal age on obstetric and perinatal outcomes in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out among the patients who presented to the labour ward. This is a prospective observational study. The demographic data of these women, gestational age at time of delivery and complication during pregnancy are noted. They will be followed up till discharge and mode of delivery, perinatal outcome and any intrapartum and postpartum complications will be recorded in the research proforma. Sample Size: 252. RESULTS: Though there were higher incidence of Gestational hypertension, PROM, Preterm labour, placenta previa, Malpresentation, Multiple Pregnancy, FGR and treatment taken for infertility among the study group when compared to control group, their statistical signicance could not be established. There was also higher incidence of caesarean section (50.8%) and Operative vaginal delivery (2.6%) in the study group. There was no statistically signicant weight difference among the babies born to mothers in case and control group. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women of Advanced Maternal Age is thought about with great concern among the doctors as well as patients. In this study, there is an increased incidence of antenatal complications like Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Gestational Hypertension, Caesarean Section and Preterm labour in women aged more than 35 years compared to the women of age 20 to 35 years.