The risks associated with pregnancy in women aged 35 years or older

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Abstract
The obstetric risks of adverse outcome during pregnancy in women aged ≥35 years were quantified using a retrospective analysis of data from 385 120 singleton pregnancies in the North West Thames Region, UK, between 1988 and 1997. A comparison of pregnancy outcome was made on the basis of maternal age at delivery: 18–34 years (n = 336 462), 35–40 years (n = 41 327) and women aged >40 years (n = 7331). Women aged 40 year old women, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) according to age group. Pregnant women aged 35–40 years were at increased risk of: gestational diabetes, OR = 2.63 [99% confidence interval (CI) 2.40–2.89]; placenta praevia = 1.93 (1.58–2.35); breech presentation = 1.37 (1.28–1.47); operative vaginal delivery = 1.5 (1.43–1.57); elective Caesarean section = 1.77 (1.68–1.87); emergency Caesarean section = 1.59 (1.52–1.67); postpartum haemorrhage = 1.14 (1.09–1.19); delivery before 32 weeks gestation = 1.41 (1.24–1.61); birthweight below the 5th centile = 1.28 (1.20–1.36); and stillbirth = 1.41 (1.17–1.70). Women aged >40 years had higher OR for the same risks. Pregnant women aged ≥35 years are at increased risk of complications in pregnancy compared with younger women.

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