Pregnancy in advanced maternal age: maternal and fetal outcome

The objective of this research is to evaluate maternal and fetal outcome of pregnant women over 40 years. The outcome has been evaluated through the following data: age, nationality, number of deliveries, complications of pregnancy, type of delivery, newborn's weight and APGAR index. 201 pregnant women have been recruited. 70 women (35%) are primiparae and 131 (65%) are multiparae. The chronic hypertension has been observed in 10 women (5%). The Gestational Hypertension has been observed in 8 women (4%). The Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has been observed in 11 women (5.5%). The antepartum haemorrhage has been observed in 7 women (3.5%): 6 cases (3%) due to placenta praevia and 1 case (0.5%) due to separation of normally inserted placenta. 137 women (68%) have been exposed to cesarean section and 64 women (32%) gave birth spontaneously. The cesarean section rate was 76% in the group of primiparae women and 64% in the group of multiparae. The incidence of premature birth was 26% for the primiparae women and 12% for multiparae women. The incidence of children LBW (Low Birth Weight) was 17% in the primiparae and 10% in the multiparae. An iteration of complications has been more elevated compared to the general obstetrician population. In particular the group of primiparae women could have a significant risk of complications.