Pregnancy in women aged 35 years and above: a prospective observational study.

ABSTRACT Pregnancy is affected by maternal age from conception till delivery. Various studies have been conducted globally to study this effect; few in developing countries. Maternal age is increasing in developing countries as well, so we have conducted this study. METHOD This was a prospective observational study consisting of 1,263 women booked at Jehangir hospital during a period of 2 years, fulfilling inclusion criteria and consenting for the study. They were divided into two groups; women aged 35 years and above and women less than 35 years of age. Pregnancy outcomes were studied in terms of antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum complications. Neonatal outcomes were studied in terms of birth weight and NICU admissions. Data was analyzed statistically using statistical package for social sciences version 17, by applying Chi square test and Fisher exact test. A p value below 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Women aged 35 years and above constituted 9.63 % of the total study population. Most were multigravidae. Rate of assisted conception was significantly higher among women aged 35 years and above; early pregnancy loss was also high in this group. Pre-eclampsia and abruption were significantly higher among them. Neonatal outcomes were comparable. CONCLUSION Women with advanced maternal age are at higher risk of complications from conception till delivery and should be provided close supervision for better pregnancy outcome.