Has advanced maternal age a real impact on intrapartum caesarean rate?

Abstract

Has advanced maternal age a real impact on intrapartum caesarean rate? B. Díaz-Rabasa 1 , R. Crespo Esteras 1 , A. Agustín-Oliva 1 , R.A. Laborda Gotor 1 , P. Tobías González 1 , C. De Bonrostro Torralba 1 , S. Castán Mateo 1 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza (Spain) Summary Purpose: To analyze whether ≥ 40-year-old women have an increased risk of intrapartum caesarean delivery and perinatal compli- cations compared to younger mothers. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data was collected on nulliparous women with no contraindications to vaginal delivery during a six-month period (n = 175). Results: ≥ 40-year-old pregnant women (n = 54) have a higher rate of intrapartum caesarean delivery, elective onset of labour, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), compared to younger women. Newborns to younger mothers were heavier than those born to older mothers (p = 0.037), despite the fact that gestational age at delivery was similar for both groups. No statistically significant differences were seen regarding the incidence of hypertensive and growing disorders, instrumental delivery rate, dystocia, postpartum maternal complications, low Apgar scores at one and five minutes and arterial blood cord pH ≤ 7.10. Conclusions: ≥ 40-year-old women at delivery have an increased risk of intrapartum caesarean rate than younger women.