Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes and Risk factors in Younger and Older Mothers - Abstract
Pregnancies during young age have significant adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Certain risk factors can also affect these outcomes depending on the maternal age.
Objective: To determine the incidence of different maternal and neonatal outcomes and risk factors of adverse outcomes in younger and older mothers.
Study design: Cross-Sectional.
Study duration and place: The study was conducted for 3 month duration in Department of Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Pakistan from May 2017 to July 2017.
Subjects and methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Lady Wellington and Lady Aitchison Hospital Lahore Pakistan.120 mothers were selected based on laid down inclusion criteria. Data was collected through a pretested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 23.
Results: The frequency of life threatening complications was recorded to be 26.7% in older mothers and 15% in younger mothers. Both LBW and Preterm
births were significantly more common in younger mothers with a frequency of 13% and 45% respectively as compared to older mothers. There is also a significant correlation of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth with maternal age (p=0.034, p=0.019). There was a significant correlation of maternal hypertension (p=0.035) and history of previous C-section with maternal age (p=0.017); both had greater frequency in older mothers.
Conclusion: Our study concluded that younger pregnancies are associated with higher risk of neonatal outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth, although there is no significant correlation with neonatal morbidity. Young mothers are also at high risk of developing maternal complications. In contrast older pregnancies have generally safer neonatal outcomes. Preventive measures should be used to limit neonatal and maternal outcomes, and health education should be promoted regarding nutritional balance and birth control.