Pregnancy after the age of 40 years: Are the risks increased?

Abstract

The outcome of pregnancy of more than 28 weeks maturity was studied in 875 mothers aged 40 years or more. No evidence was found that pregnancy in this age group constitutes a serious risk to the mother's health. The perinatal outcome is determined mainly by factors such as social circumstances, reproductive history, panty and haemolytic disease rather than by advanced maternal age. No justification was found for obstetric intervention based solely on the age of the mother.