Abstract
Objectives
Childbearing at extremely advanced maternal age is a globally increasing trend, but
only a few studies have described the outcomes of these pregnancies. The aim of this
study was to describe the occurrence of childbearing at age 50 and up in the Nordic
countries, as well as to examine the frequency of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Study design
A descriptive population-based study was designed. Data from 1991 to 2013 were collected
from the Medical Birth Registries in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. We investigated
the occurrence of antepartum, delivery and neonatal outcomes.
Results
A total of 170 deliveries, in 141 singleton and 29 multiple pregnancies, were identified
in mothers aged 50 and up. The highest frequency during this period was 6 per 100,000
deliveries. The prevalence for selected adverse outcomes in singleton pregnancies
were: intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) 6%, preeclampsia 4%, preterm delivery 14%, gestational
diabetes 8% and cesarean delivery 50%. In multiple pregnancies, the respective prevalence
were: IUFD 2%, preeclampsia 22%, preterm delivery 57%, gestational diabetes 10% and
cesarean delivery 79%. Pregnancy after assisted reproductive technologies was frequent
(29% of singleton and 50% of multiple pregnancies).
Conclusions
This study found high frequency of obstetric and neonatal complications at extremely
advanced maternal age. Despite a high prevalence of stillbirth in singleton pregnancies
in the studied Nordic countries, other complications were less frequent than those
previously reported in different populations. Adequate preconception consultation
concerning maternal and neonatal hazards is highly recommended in this group of women.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 03, 2018
Accepted:
March 1,
2018
Received:
April 4,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
