The elderly primigravida--evaluation of 90 cases.

A prospective study was carried out on ninety consecutive elderly primigravidae out of a total of 13,858 deliveries between 1983 to 1985. The aim of the study was to examine the reasons for postponent of childbearing beyond 35 years, the risks alleged to complicate pregnancy at this age, the obstetric performance and foetal outcome. The use of the term 'mature primigravida' as a suitable alternative to 'elderly primigravida' is emphasised. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was the commonest antenatal complication, and together with prolonged labour, the commoner indications for abdominal delivery. The caesarean section rate was 54.4 per cent. There were no maternal deaths. The perinatal mortality rate however, was much lower than that of the hospital population.