Asha P. S, Sapna S
BACKGROUND Advanced maternal age, generally held to signify 35 years of age at the time of delivery is the term that implies decreased fertility and increased risk. The changing role of women in the work place with more career opportunities available, has undoubtedly affected childbearing. Availability of assisted reproductive techniques to older women has allowed many to achieve pregnancy and childbearing. The objectives of the study were- to study the maternal and perinatal outcome in gravidae more than or equal to 35 years of age and to compare the outcome with younger women aged between 20-29 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in South India for a period of one and a half years. Study group included 100 elderly gravidae and 200 younger gravidae and their neonates. RESULTS The incidence of hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, preterm labour, malpresentations, placenta previa, post-partum haemorrhage and caesarean rates were found to be increased in elderly gravidae. No difference was found in the incidence of abruptio placentae and labour induction. Low birth weight babies, foetal distress and neonatal ICU admissions were increased among neonates of elderly gravidae with no difference in Oligamnios, polyhydramnios and Doppler abnormalities among the two study groups. CONCLUSION Early booking, close supervision in the antenatal and intrapartum period, active management of labour and appropriately trained obstetric interventions are essential for an optimal outcome in the management of elderly gravidae.
