Pregnancy complications among nulliparous and multiparous women with advanced maternal age: a community-based prospective cohort study in China

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the incidence rates and risks of pregnancy complications among nulliparous and multiparous women with advanced maternal age (AMA, ≥35 years) in China. Methods We performed a community-based prospective cohort study of 10,171 pregnant women in selected two sub-districts and 11 towns of Liuyang from 2013 to 2015. All subjects were followed up from the first prenatal care (at ≤12 weeks) to delivery, and risks of pregnancy complications were compared by parity and maternal age groups. Results Among nulliparas, women with AMA showed significantly increased risks for gestational hypertension (OR 8.44, 95%CI 1.68–2.88), preeclampsia/eclampsia (OR 9.92, 95%CI 4.87–18.78), premature rupture of membrane (OR 6.84, 95%CI 2.00–17.69), as compared to women in the 20–29-year age group. Among multiparas with AMA, increased risks were found for gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 3.29, 95%CI 1.76–5.94), anemia (OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.25–2.69), polyhydramnios (OR 3.29, 95%CI 1.56–6.64), premature rupture of membrane (OR 5.14, 95%CI 2.12–12.29), and preterm labor (OR 1.89, 95CI 1.42–2.50). Conclusions Women with AMA were associated with increased risks of pregnancy complications, and complications with increased risks differed in nulliparas and multiparas. Women with AMA should be identified as a high-risk group in clinical practice.