Fetomaternal outcome in elderly pregnancy: A prospective cohort study

Objective: To assess fetomaternal outcome in elderly pregnancy. Material and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study involving 102 pregnant women> 32 weeks of gestation, with 51 participants in each of the two groups: one group of women aged ≥35 years (case group) and another group of women aged <35 years (control group). Results: In the case group, 28 participants (54.9%) developed pregnancy-induced hypertension, compared to only 7 participants (13.7%) in the control group (p = 0.001). Gestational diabetes mellitus was observed in 12 participants (23.5%) in the case group, while only 1 participant (2.0%) in the control group was affected (p = 0.001). The mean gestational period in the case group was 37.04 ± 1.95 weeks, whereas the control group had a mean gestational period of 38.82 ± 1.67 weeks (p = 0.001). Additionally, 34 participants (66.7%) in the case group underwent a lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), compared to 13 participants (25.5%) in the control group (p = 0.001). There was increase in the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes in the case group, including preterm deliveries, low birth weight, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions. Conclusions: The study concludes that fetomaternal morbidity and the need for operative interventions increase with advancing maternal age.