Maternal age and adverse pregnancy outcomes among Meitei women of Manipur, Northeast India: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe study examines the outcomes of pregnancies conceived at advanced maternal age (AMA) and maternal complications after childbirth among Meitei women of Northeast India.MethodA total of 760 women participants were included in this study and compared among women aged >= 35 years, with a reference group of women aged 20-34 years. Data on obstetric characteristics were collected after obtaining consent. The data were compared using chi-square analysis, and the results were adjusted using a logistic regression model. Decision trees were developed to predict the potential variables associated with preterm delivery and postpartum complication.ResultsIn the study, 18.95% of AMA women experienced one or more adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Women with AMA are at significantly increased risk of placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.78-8.57), induction of labor (AOR = 3.69, 95%CI: 2.48-5.50), and caesarean section (AOR = 3.42, 95%CI: 2.28-5.12). Moreover, AMA women have a 1.86-2.76 AOR for developing gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, urinary tract infections, preterm delivery, and postpartum complications. Decision tree analysis revealed that AMA and urban residence independently predict preterm delivery and postpartum complications.ConclusionThe study's findings confirm the adverse impact of AMA on pregnancy outcomes and postpartum complications. Such issues should be addressed, and counseling on the risk of AMA should be provided, particularly for those in the high-risk group. Further prospective studies are needed to understand other potential risk factors of APOs and the impact of AMA complications to prevent the associated burden.

Automated summary

This study investigates the outcomes of pregnancies in Meitei women in Northeast India who conceive at advanced maternal age (AMA) and the maternal complications after childbirth. The study found that AMA women have a significantly higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and postpartum complications, including placenta previa, induction of labor, caesarean section, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, urinary tract infections, preterm delivery, and postpartum complications. The study suggests that counseling on the risks of AMA should be provided, especially for high-risk groups.