Pregnancy outcome in late maternal age in a high-income developing country.

This study aimed to compare the pregnancy outcome at maternal age 35 years and above with those aged between 20 and 34 years in a high-income developing country. In this prospective study, pregnant women that delivered at Al-Ain Hospital from the 1st April 2009 till 30th September 2009 were included. The obstetrical and perinatal outcome of mothers aged between 20 and 34 years and those aged 35 years old and above was compared. There were a total of 888 patients. 699/888 (78.7%) were aged between 20 and 34 years and 189 (21.3%) were aged 35 years and above. Advanced maternal age was significantly associated with a higher incidence of type II diabetes mellitus (p = 0001), hypothyroidism (p = 0.02), history of miscarriages (p = 0.0001), GDM (p = 0.0001), placenta previa p = 0.04, induction of labor (p = 0.04), and Cesarean section (p = 0.009). Pregnant women at 35 years and above have higher incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, placenta previa, and operative delivery. However, perinatal outcome are comparable to younger mothers.