The risks associated with pregnancy in women aged 35 years or older

Hum Reprod. 2000 Nov;15(11):2433-7. doi: 10.1093/humrep/15.11.2433.

Abstract

The obstetric risks of adverse outcome during pregnancy in women aged > or =35 years were quantified using a retrospective analysis of data from 385 120 singleton pregnancies in the North West Thames Region, UK, between 1988 and 1997. A comparison of pregnancy outcome was made on the basis of maternal age at delivery: 18-34 years (n = 336 462), 35-40 years (n = 41 327) and women aged > 40 years (n = 7331). Women aged <18 years (n = 5246) were excluded from the study. Data are presented as percentages of 18-34 year old women, 35-40 year old and > 40 year old women, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) according to age group. Pregnant women aged 35-40 years were at increased risk of: gestational diabetes, OR = 2.63 [99% confidence interval (CI) 2.40-2.89]; placenta praevia = 1.93 (1.58-2.35); breech presentation = 1.37 (1.28-1.47); operative vaginal delivery = 1.5 (1.43-1.57); elective Caesarean section = 1.77 (1.68-1.87); emergency Caesarean section = 1.59 (1.52-1.67); postpartum haemorrhage = 1.14 (1.09-1.19); delivery before 32 weeks gestation = 1.41 (1.24-1.61); birthweight below the 5th centile = 1.28 (1.20-1. 36); and stillbirth = 1.41 (1.17-1.70). Women aged >40 years had higher OR for the same risks. Pregnant women aged >/=35 years are at increased risk of complications in pregnancy compared with younger women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetal Death / epidemiology
  • Fetal Death / etiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Infant, Newborn
  • London
  • Maternal Age*
  • Obstetric Labor Complications / epidemiology
  • Obstetric Labor Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy*
  • Pregnancy, High-Risk*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors