To Evaluate the Impact of Maternal Age on the Occurrence of Preterm Birth: An Institutional Based Study

Background: Gestational age is the second-best prognostic factor, after baby weight, for the outcome of pregnancy. Targeting maternal risk factors for preterm birth in epidemiological studies might provide clues to the mechanisms leading to preterm birth, and help to identify women at risk. Hence; the present study was undertaken for evaluating the impact of maternal age on the occurrence of preterm birth.Materials & Methods:The present study was conducted with the aim of assessing and evaluating the impact of maternal age on the occurrence of preterm birth. A total of three maternal age range categories were made as follows: 20 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years, and 40 years and older. Complete demographic, clinical and medical details of all the subjects were obtained. Pre-term birth was defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, while birth before 32 weeks was defined as very preterm. Calculation of odd ratios for preterm and very preterm birth was done for different age groups. Results:Preterm birth was seen in 0.8 percent, 1.27 percent and 1.53 percent of the subjects of thematernal age range of 20 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years and 40 years and older. Very preterm birth was seen in 3.67 percent, 4.67 percent and 5.07 percent of the subjects of thematernal age range of 20 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years and 40 years and older. While analyzing the odd ratios, it was observed that increasing maternal age significantly increased the risk of very preterm birth.Conclusion:Elder maternal age group is significantly associated with higher incidence of preterm and very preterm delivery