Pregnancy outcomes in primigravid women aged 35 years and over in South Australia, 1986-1988

The South Australian perinatal data collection for 1986-1988 was used to compare the characteristics and outcomes of singleton pregnancies in 515 primigravid women aged 35 years and over with those in 4175 younger primigravid women aged 20-29 years. Notable differences observed were a higher prevalence of medical, obstetric and labour complications and assisted deliveries in the older group. Breech presentations were almost twice as common in the older women, as were caesarean sections. Only 27% achieved a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The mean duration of hospital stay for the older women was longer for both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. However, although their babies were more likely to be premature or of low birthweight, the perinatal mortality rate was not significantly increased and the great majority of older primigravid women managed by modern obstetric methods can expect a good pregnancy outcome.