Effect of Advanced Maternal Age on Pregnancy Outcome | International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research

Authors

Huda Khalid Jasim

MBChB. Basrah Health Directorate
Faiz Al Waeely

Consultant of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. College of Medicine / University of Basrah

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmscr/Volume06Issue04-25

Keywords:

Advanced Maternal Age Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Female oocyte count peaks in utero then declines, accelerating after age 32. Advanced maternal age (≥35) pregnancies are rising globally due to sociocultural factors. While advanced maternal age increases maternal-foetal risks, outcomes vary—worsened in low-resource settings, but improved in high-income countries through advanced screening, individualized care, and assisted reproductive technologies.

Objectives: To study the effect of advanced maternal age (AMA) on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted in the obstetric department of Al-Mawane Teaching Hospital in Basra City/Iraq, during the period from 1st of October 2024 to 1st of September 2025. Data collection covered demographics, obstetric/medical history, pregnancy complications, delivery mode, postpartum outcomes, neonatal complications, and hospital stay length.

Results: This study compared 50 advanced maternal age women (≥35 years) with 50 controls (18–35 years). Groups were demographically similar, except for age. Women of advanced maternal age had significantly fewer regular antenatal visits (p=0.003), more chronic illness (p=0.005), and higher pregnancy complications (p=0.011). They experienced more caesarean deliveries (p=0.050), preterm births (p=0.035), postpartum haemorrhage (p=0.014), exploratory laparotomy/hysterectomy (p=0.039), and longer hospital stays (p=0.001). Neonates of advanced maternal age mothers showed higher risks of low 5-minute Apgar (p=0.050), large for gestational age (p=0.012), hypoglycaemia (p=0.006), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (p=0.028).

Conclusions: Advanced maternal age increases maternal and neonatal risks, including chronic illness, pregnancy complications, caesarean delivery, postpartum morbidity, and adverse neonatal outcomes, while reduced antenatal care may worsen outcomes compared to younger women.

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