REEVALUATION OF THE OBSTETRIC RISK OF THE OLDER PRIMIPARA

Objective: To evaluate the obstetric performance of older (greater tha n or equal to 35 years) primiparous women. Design: The obstetric data of 77 consecutive older primigravid women who were registered for preg nancy care, were analyzed for their obstetric performances, and compar ed with 50 randomly chosen older (35 years) multiparas and 50 young (< 35 years) primiparas. Setting: The study was conducted in King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) over a five year period from January 01, 19 91 to December 31, 1995. Results: Significant differences observed wer e a higher incidence of hypertension and preeclampsia and fibroids and infertility in the older primiparas. The frequencies of operative del iveries (vacuum, and cesarean section) were significantly greater in t he older primiparas. No significant difference was noted in the post n atal course of the three groups, nor was there any significant differe nce in perinatal morbidity. Conclusion: Although older primiparous wom an have higher rates of complications of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) and delivery (vacuum and cesarean section), their rise of poor neonatal o utcome is not appreciably increased.