Parity affects pregnancy outcomes in women 35 and older

Purpose of investigation: The objective of the study was to examine the impact of parity on pregnancy outcomes in women 35 years and older. Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort of singleton pregnancies of women aged a 35 years old during the period 2004-2008. Women were divided in two groups: group 1 included primigravidas and group 2 those with at least one past labor. Epidemiological characteristics, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were analyzed using the t test and chi-square test. Results: 816 out of 5834 (14%) cases involved women aging a 35 years, 234 (28.7%) of which were nulliparous and 582 (61.3%) multiparous. Rate of cesarean section was 2.4 fold higher for primigravidas (p <.0001). Fetal distress, prolonged labor and Neonate Intensive Care Unity (NICU) admission were also significantly higher in group 1. Conclusion: Adverse pregnancy outcomes were increased in primigravidas of 35 years and older compared to multigravidas of the same age.