The impact of maternal age on pregnancy outcomes & mode of delivery: a focus on cesarean section & vaginal delivery rates.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58676/sjmas.v3i7.141Keywords:
Maternal Age, Cesarean Section, Vaginal Delivery, Pregnancy Outcomes, Global Obstetric TrendsAbstract
Background: The global trend toward delayed childbearing has raised concerns about its impact on pregnancy outcomes, particularly regarding the mode of delivery. Advanced maternal age is associated with an increased risk of obstetric complications, influencing a significant rise in cesarean section (CS) rates. This study investigates the relationship between maternal age and delivery outcomes, with a focus on CS and vaginal delivery rates across 16 countries with diverse healthcare systems.
Methods and Materials:A retrospective analysis of public health data from 2.7 million women in 16 countries was conducted. Participants were stratified into three maternal age groups: <20 years, 20–34 years, and ≥34 years. Variables analyzed included parity, smoking status, previous cesarean delivery, use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), and mode of delivery. Country-specific healthcare policies and cultural factors were also considered to contextualize differences in delivery practices.
Results: The study revealed a clear increase in cesarean section rates with maternal age, particularly among women aged ≥34. Vaginal delivery remained the most common method overall but declined significantly in older age groups. Nordic countries maintained high vaginal delivery rates (80–90%) and low CS rates (<25%) across all age groups. In contrast, countries like Ghana and China showed marked increases in CS rates among older mothers. Factors such as ART use, obstetric complications, and healthcare policy differences contributed to variations.
Conclusion: Maternal age is a significant predictor of delivery mode, with advanced age correlating with higher CS rates due to physiological risks and systemic healthcare factors. However, variations across countries highlight the influence of healthcare models and cultural attitudes. Encouraging evidence-based practices, enhancing preconception care, and supporting patient-centered decision-making may help balance safety with reduced medicalization of childbirth for older mothers.
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