Advanced maternal age. Part I: obstetric complications

Am J Perinatol. 2008 Sep;25(8):521-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1085620. Epub 2008 Sep 4.

Abstract

More women are postponing pregnancy into the fourth and fifth decades of life for a variety of reasons. Advanced maternal age, traditionally defined as age more than 35 years, has been associated with increased obstetric morbidity and interventions. In addition, perinatal complications are reported to be higher in this patient population, although recent data point to a more favorable outcome. This article reviews the available literature with special emphasis on antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum complications and perinatal outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apgar Score
  • Birth Weight
  • Cesarean Section / statistics & numerical data
  • Chronic Disease
  • Comorbidity
  • Congenital Abnormalities / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / epidemiology
  • Maternal Age*
  • Maternal Mortality
  • Obstetric Labor Complications / epidemiology
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / epidemiology
  • Oocyte Donation
  • Parity
  • Postmenopause
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Pregnancy in Diabetics / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy, Multiple / statistics & numerical data
  • Puerperal Disorders / epidemiology
  • Puerperal Disorders / physiopathology
  • Stillbirth / epidemiology
  • Vaginal Birth after Cesarean