Transcript The Effect of Maternal Age on Childbirth

The Effects of Maternal Age on Childbirth
Danielle Stevens, Advisor Jennifer Hancock
Introduction
Results
There have been many studies that have analyzed the effects of maternal age on
Results
The ANOVA for BMI was not significant (p = 0.111). The ANOVA for smoking habits during
pregnancy and childbirth. A study by Huang (2008) reviewed information on the rate
pregnancy was not significant (p = 0.095), and the ANOVA for alcohol/drug use was not
of stillbirths in women over 30. They compiled 913 citations all involving studies on
significant ( p = 0.382). The ANOVA for parity was a significant (p = 6.26x10-6).
stillbirths in women of advanced age. Overall, the consensus was that advanced
maternal age is very strongly associated with an increased risk of stillbirth.
Conclusions
Research performed by Gordon Smith et al. (2007) studied the effects of
maternal age on the outcome of labor. According to their research, the risk of
intrapartum cesarean delivery increased in a linear fashion as maternal age
The hypothesis that was tested in this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal age on
increased (Smith, 2007, 1128).
childbirth. It was hypothesized that the older age group would experience complications at a
significantly higher rate than the younger groups.
A study performed by Delpisheh et al. (2008) acquired medical records from a
hospital and did a comprehensive study on many aspects of pregnancy and child
birth at advanced maternal age. Their study included elements such as low birth
weight, diabetes, preeclampsia, and whether or not the pregnancy was carried to full
term. Their analysis also included other aspects of the mother’s health and included
BMI, smoking practices, alcohol/drug use, and parity were evaluated to rule out the
Table 1 shows the chi-square analysis of preterm birth among the
age groups. The Chi-square was equal to 0.275 and was not
significant.
possibility that the complications were arising from these sources. BMI, smoking, and drug use
were the same across all three groups, however, parity was greater in the older age groups.
Since most of the possible contributing factors were ruled out, complications were evaluated
those differences in their results. When their research as complete, they concluded
based on age alone. Preterm birth and hypertension were not significantly different across the
that in women that wait to conceive at an advanced age, there is a higher risk of
groups, therefore the hypothesis not supported for these complications.
complication and a greater need to carefully monitor the mother’s prenatal health
Gestational diabetes did show significant results, with a more occurrence in the oldest age
(Delpisheh, 2008, 969).
group. The method of delivery was also significantly different across the age groups. The
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a statistically significant
results show that more of the younger women are giving birth vaginally, whereas the older
difference in the amount of complications in women who give birth over the age of
women are having more cesarean section deliveries. Therefore, for these two factors the
34 when compared to younger mothers. The key factors that were evaluated were
hypothesis was supported.
hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and method of delivery. The
The parity of the mothers was a contributing factor and may be the reason why there was
hypothesis is that women over the age of 34 will experience a significant increase in
not a significant difference in some of the variables. In future studies it would be beneficial to
complication.
Methods
select a larger cohort and to look at other factors that may be contributing to the rate of
Table 2 shows the chi-square analysis for hypertension among the
subjects. The chi-square is equal to 0.050 and was not significant.
Subjects
complications among older women.
References
Chan BCP, Lao TTH. 2008. Effect of parity and advanced maternal age on obstetric outcome.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 102: 237-241.
Medical charts we reviewed at River Rose Obstetrics and Gynecology in Athens,
OH. A total of 194 charts were reviewed from 2006-2009. The subjects were
Delpisheh A, Brabin L, Attia E, Brabin BJ. 2008. Pregnancy Late in Life: A Hospital-Based Study of
divided into three age groups: 15-24 years of age, 25-34 years of age and 35-45
Birth Outcomes. Journal of Women’s Health 17(4): 965-970.
years of age.
Huang L. 2008. Maternal age and Risk of stillbirth: a systemic review. Canadian Medical Association
Journal 178: 165-172.
Data Collection
Smith GCS, White IR, Pasupathy D, Missfelder-Lobos H, Pell JP, Charnock-Jones DS, Fleming M.
2007. The Effect of Delaying Childbirth on Primary Cesarean Section Rates. PloS Medicine
The smoking and drug/alcohol habits during pregnancy were recorded. Body
mass index (BMI) was calculated using the height and weight of the subjects before
pregnancy. The parity of the subjects was also recorded. A subject was considered
hypertensive if a diastolic blood pressure of greater than 110mmHg was recorded on
Table 3 shows the chi-square analysis for gestational diabetes.
The chi-square is equal to 7.75 and is significant.
7(4): 1123-1131.
Acknowledgments
a least 1 occasion or if a diastolic blood pressure of greater than 90mmHg was
recorded on 2 or more consecutive visits. The charts were flagged if a subject
experienced gestational diabetes. Preterm birth was defined as birth at less than 37
River Rose Obstetrics and Gynecology of Athens, Ohio
weeks. Four methods of delivery (vaginal, induced vaginal, primary cesarean, and
Professor Jennifer Hancock
repeat cesarean) were recorded .
Dr. David Brown
The Marietta College Biology Department
Statistical Analysis
An ANOVA was used to determine if smoking practices, alcohol/drug exposure,
parity and maternal BMI can be excluded as a contributing factors for complications.
Chi-square analysis was used to determine if the rate of complications differed
significantly between groups.
Table 4 shows the chi-square analysis for the method of
delivery. The chi-square is equal to 46.8 and is significant.