Fetal complications in late pregnancies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12957/rhupe.2014.12123Abstract
In view of social and lifestyle changes, the incidence of advanced maternal age pregnancy, i.e. in women over 35 years, has markedly increased in recent decades. Such surge contributed to higher rates of obstetric and fetal complications. A critical review of the literature was conducted with the objective of assessing the available evidence on the frequency of the main pregnancy complications in advanced maternal age as well as possible explanations and controversies about the matter. A detailed search of medical literature was performed including the databases: Medline (via PubMed), SciELO and LILACS. Gestational and perinatal outcomes assessed were: gestational age at delivery, low birth weight (LBW < 2.5 kg), Apgar score < 7 at 1 and 5 minutes, increase in the incidence of cesarean sections and stillbirth. The results retrieved were: gestational age (< 37 weeks = 3.4 to 51.4%; > 42 weeks = 0.4 to 6.9%), stillbirth (0 to 3.2%), LBW (0 to 26.8%), Apgar score < 7 (1st min = 5.6 to 22.9; 5th min = 0.9 to 5%), cesarean section (31.9 to 72.4%). The relative impact of maternal ageing and chronic diseases on pregnancy outcomes requires further research. Health professionals must be alert to the peculiarities of advanced maternal age pregnancy in order to timely identify potential complications. A specialized multiprofessional team should be available to warrant specific needs regarding exams and admission. Thus, advanced maternal age pregnancy can be more safely managed, reducing the rate of complications and maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes.Keywords: Maternal age; Infant; Low birth weight; Apgar score; Stillbirth; Pregnancy complications.Downloads
Published
2014-07-29
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