The maternal and fetal outcomes in elderly gravida versus young gravida women:- a comparative observational study

Background: The health of the mother lays a strong foundation to the health of the nation in general. Pregnancy and child birth are normal physiological processes and outcomes of most pregnancies are good. But pregnancy in woman with advanced age is considered high risk. In obstetric practice, maternal age is an important determinant of the outcome of pregnancy. One such risk factor is an elderly pregnancy that leads to many complications during pregnancy, labor and also for the baby. In recent times women have changed their life style such as in the pursuit of higher education and entry into work forces and career advancement outside the home. Consequently, this has lead to postponement of child bearing, resulting in an increasing maternal age and it contributes to this upward trend. This study was designed to assess both maternal and fetal outcomes in elderly gravida women. Methods: This study was a Prospective hospital based study done in 200 elderly gravid NICU admissions 13.5%. enrolled after exclusion criteria in RGGWCH, Pondicherry during Jan. 2017 to Dec. 2017. Results: This study showed increased risk of maternal complications like Gestational hypertension develop in 12% elderly gravida, Gestational diabetes mellitus in14%, Caesarean section rate 75%., low birth weight baby15%, NICU admissions13.5%. Conclusions: In this present study it is found that, Advanced maternal age is risk factor for Gestational hypertension, Gestational diabetes mellitus, low birth weight baby, NICU admissions, caesarean sections. It is not a risk factor for APH, abnormal presentation, post term delivery, macrosomia, intra or post-op complications, pre-term delivery, need of blood transfusion, instrumental delivery, IUD, low APGAR score <7, neonatal deaths, instrumental delivery, MICU- admissions and maternal mortality.