Key result
First-time maternal age ≥40 is linked to higher rates of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Why the study?
Maternal age is increasing globally, and older women giving birth are considered at higher risk of complications, prompting evaluation of complications across pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period in older first-time mothers.
Does maternal age over 40 increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum in first-time mothers?
Cohort
Yes
Does maternal age over 40 increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum in first-time mothers?
First-time motherhood at age 40 or older is associated with significantly increased risks of maternal and neonatal complications, reinforcing the need for informed reproductive decision-making.
May inform age-specific prenatal counseling; extends observational data but leaves causality and practice change open.
The age of women in childbirth is increasing globally. Older pregnant and childbearing women and their children are considered to be at a higher risk of complications. This study aimed to determine whether older women giving birth for the first time had more complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period. A secondary analysis of national perinatal data from 2013 to 2019 was made. We compared complications in different age groups (20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, and >40 years). Statistically significant differences were estimated using χ2-test and Fisher test. Older first-time mothers (≥40 years) had a higher incidence of gestational diabetes (20.7%), preeclampsia (4.1%), and placental abnormalities than others. Cesarean section was also more common (21.1%). There were more preterm births (13.8%) and small-for-gestational-age babies (12.6%) in the group of first-time mothers aged over 40. Statistically significant differences were also found in Apgar scores at the first (p=0.00; χ2=89.560) and fifth minute (p<0.001; χ2=53.262). In physical terms, late motherhood does not offer advantages. We cannot influence the trend of postponed motherhood, but as health professionals, we have an obligation to provide women with all the information they need to make informed reproductive decisions.
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Menhart et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal age ≥40 years vs. Younger age groups (20-39 years) was evaluated on Complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period. First-time mothers aged ≥40 years had higher incidences of gestational diabetes (20.7%), preeclampsia (4.1%), cesarean section (21.1%), and preterm births (13.8%) compared to younger mothers.
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