HOW ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE INFLUENCE PREGNANCY? COMPARING THE OBSTETRICAL AND PERINATAL COMPLICATIONS IN YOUNGER AND OLDER PREGNANT WOMEN

Introduction: Pregnancy outcomes in older age (defined as > 35 years) are distinct from those in younger pregnant population and are linked to negative obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Preterm birth, antepartum hemorrhage, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, postpartum hemorrhage, small and large for gestational age newborns, and low APGAR score are a few concerns.

Methodology: A retrospective study conducted in hatta hospital to assess how advanced mothers age influence pregnancy. An analytical review was conducted on the medical files of 424 singleton pregnancies. Women aged 35 years and beyond comprised the study group (Group 1), whilst those under 35 years comprehend the control group (Group 2).

Results: Groups 1 and 2 had mean ages of37 2.3 and 28 4 years respectively. Study groups mean gestational age was 37 1.6 weeks whereas control groups was 38 1.6 weeks. One third of the women were UAE Citizens. The study revealed considerably greater counts in Parity(92.5% versus 73.6% p<0.05), assisted conception (8% versus 2.8% p<0.05), short interpregnancy interval (26% versus 17.5% p<0.05), Preexisting Diabetes (26% versus 2.8% p 0.001), GDM (38.6% versus 22.2% p 0.001), Essential HTN (10.3% versus 0% p 0.001), Preeclampsia (7.5% versus 3.3% p<0.05),Polyhydramnios (9.4% versus 4.2% p<0.05) oligohydramnios (4.7% versus 0.5% p 0.001), placental abruption (6.1% versus 0.5% p<0.05), Obstetric Cholestasis (1.9% versus 0% p<0.05), Preterm delivery (35.3% versus 12.3% p<0.0001), LSCS rate (51% versus 29.7% p<0.05), PPH (23% versus 4.3% p<0.0001), SGA (13.2% versus 5.2% p<0.0001), LGA (10.4% versus 3.8% p<0.05), and Low APGAR Score (16.5% versus 8% p<0.01) in elder individuals.The number of antenatal visits, polyhydramnios, IUGR, neonatal sex and NICU admissions did not differ between both groups.

Conclusion: Unfavorable obstetrical and perinatal outcomes distinctly associated with increased mothers age. Obstetrical experts are urged to provide guidance to women who desire to conceive after age of 35.