A Comparative Study on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Different Age

Delayed childbearing is increasing. Increased maternal age has been associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications. On the other hand, the adolescent pregnancy has traditionally been considered high-risk, especially in developing countries.

This study aimed to compare the adverse pregnancy outcomes in different age groups of pregnant women.

The analytical study with cross-sectional design was conducted on 345 pregnant women referred to one of the maternity hospitals in Rasht, Iran in 2018 who were selected by sequential sampling method. They were followed from gestational age >37 weeks until delivery in 3 groups: <19 years, 19-35 years and >35 years. The data collection tool was a two-part researcher-made questionnaire which surveys demographic, fertility, and socioeconomic information and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA, Bonfrroni test, Spearman correlation test, and multiple linear regression analysis).

The highest prevalence of maternal diabetes mellitus (29.7%) and cesarean section (72.46%) were reported in the age group >35 years. The highest frequency of premature rupture of membranes (18.8%) and abnormal fetal presentation (13.8 %) were reported in age groups <19 years and 19-35 years, respectively. Among maternal outcomes, maternal diabetes, abnormal fetal presentation, premature rupture of membranes and delivery by cesarean section were significantly different between three groups (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between maternal age and neonatal outcomes in ages groups <19 years and 19-35 years (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression model showed that the maternal age <19 years was a predictor of adverse neonatal outcomes. The group <19 years reported more adverse outcomes than the age group 19-35 years (β=0.282, 95% CL: 0.002-0.561, P=0.049).

All age groups of pregnant women faced some pregnancy outcomes. Due to Iran’s new plan to encourage childbearing, prenatal screening, and receiving more prenatal care, we recommend pregnant women to participate in childbirth preparation training courses.