Impact of maternal age on obstetric outcome

Jane Cleary-Goldman, Fergal D. Malone, John Vidaver, Robert H. Ball, David A. Nyberg, Christine H. Comstock, George R. Saade, Keith A. Eddleman, Susan Klugman, Lorraine Dugoff, Ilan E. Timor-Tritsch, Sabrina D. Craigo, Stephen R. Carr, Honor M. Wolfe, Diana W. Bianchi, Mary D'Alton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

507 Scopus citations

Abstract

To estimate the effect of maternal age on obstetric outcomes. A prospective database from a multicenter investigation of singletons, the FASTER trial, was studied. Subjects were divided into 3 age groups: 1) less than 35 years, 2) 35-39 years, and 3) 40 years and older. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of age on outcomes after adjusting for race, parity, body mass index, education, marital status, smoking, medical history, use of assisted conception, and patient's study site. A total of 36,056 women with complete data were available: 28,398 (79%) less than 35 years of age; 6,294 (17%) 35-39 years; and 1,364 (4%) 40 years and older. Increasing age was significantly associated with miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR]2.0 and 2.4 for ages 35-39 years and age 40 years and older, respectively), chromosomal abnormalities (adjOR 4.0 and 9.9), congenital anomalies (adjOR 1.4 and 1.7), gestational diabetes (adjOR 1.8 and 2.4), placenta previa (adjOR 1.8 and 2.8), and cesarean delivery (adjOR 1.6 and 2.0). Patients aged 35-39 years were at increased risk for macrosomia (adjOR 1.4). Increased risk for abruption (adjOR 2.3), preterm delivery (adjOR 1.4), low birth weight (adjOR 1.6), and perinatal mortality (adjOR 2.2) was noted in women aged 40 years and older. Increasing maternal age is independently associated with specific adverse pregnancy outcomes. Increasing age is a continuum rather than a threshold effect. II-2.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)983-990
Number of pages8
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume105
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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