Maternal age as a risk factor in pregnancy and perinatal period: a
retrospective cohort study.
Abstract
Objective The main aim of the study was to assess the influence of
maternal age on the incidence of significant pregnancy and childbirth
complications in women with low-risk pregnancies. Design A retrospective
cohort study. Setting Data collected from hospital delivery admission
electronic medical records and discharge summaries of patients
hospitalized in St Sophia’s Hospital in 2010-2016. Population or Sample
25063 women with low-risk singleton pregnancies. We excluded all
patients with known main comorbidities influencing perinatal outcome.
Methods The univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was
performed to estimate the impact of age on the primary endpoint. Main
Outcome Measures The primary endpoint was defined as a compiled adverse
pregnancy outcome, which included several components. Results Maternal
age is a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Each
subsequent year of life increases the incidence of pregnancy and
childbirth complications (OR 1,014; 95%CI 1,008–1,021). Conclusions
Maternal age is an independent risk factor for some of the complications
of pregnancy and childbirth. Keywords maternal age, perinatal outcome,
advanced maternal age, risk factor