Research Article

Pregnancy outcomes and risks in over 40; a retrospective analysis from Turkey’s highest birth rate region

Volume: 64 Number: 2 June 10, 2025
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Pregnancy outcomes and risks in over 40; a retrospective analysis from Turkey’s highest birth rate region

Abstract

Aim: Pregnancies at advanced maternal age pose significant global health concerns, particularly in regions with high birth rates. This study evaluates the pregnancy outcomes, associated risks, and strategies to improve maternal and neonatal health among women aged 40 and above in Siverek, Şanlıurfa, Turkey—an area with the highest crude birth rate in the country. Materials and Methods: The short-term pregnancy outcomes of 107 women aged 40 years and older, who delivered at a second level state hospital's obstetrics and gynecology clinic between 2020 and 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The study revealed a high average gravida (6.4 ± 2.3) and parity (5.2 ± 2.2) among participants, reflecting the region's high fertility rates. Normal spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in 69 (64.5%) cases, while 38 (35.5%) women underwent cesarean delivery, with prior cesarean section being the leading indication (31.6%). The mean gestational age was 38.7 ± 1.6 weeks, and the average birth weight was 3282 ± 488 grams. Neonatal outcomes were favorable, with mean Apgar scores of 7.7 ± 1.2 (at the first minute) and 8.8 ± 1.2 (at the fifth minute). However, 2 (1.9%) mothers required blood transfusions, and 5 (4.7%) neonates experienced asphyxia-related complications. Conclusions: Pregnancies in women over 40 are associated with higher obstetric and neonatal risks, requiring meticulous monitoring and individualized care strategies. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes in regions with high fertility rates and limited healthcare resources.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ethics Committee Approval: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Istanbul Esenyurt University (protocol no: 05.03.2024 /2024-02 ).

Ethical Statement

Ethics Committee Approval: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Istanbul Esenyurt University (protocol no: 05.03.2024 /2024-02 ).

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 10, 2025

Submission Date

January 17, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 10, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 64 Number: 2

Vancouver
1.Elif Uçar, Melih Bestel. Pregnancy outcomes and risks in over 40; a retrospective analysis from Turkey’s highest birth rate region. EJM. 2025 Jun. 1;64(2):330-6. doi:10.19161/etd.1622248

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