CHALLENGES FACED BY PRIMIGRAVIDA WOMEN AT OLD AGE

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the association between advanced maternal age and possible complications in pregnancy to the mother and the fetus in the light of the Brazilian scientific production. Material and Methods: This is a literature review based on searches carried out in the virtual library of health using combinations of the following descriptors: pregnancy complications and maternal age. The following inclusion criteria were established: original articles; studies with qualitative or quantitative approach; publications written in Portuguese and published in any time period. After applying the eligibility criteria and performing careful reading of the articles, a total of six articles published between 1998 and 2013 were included in the review. Results: The studies have shown that late marriage, higher educational level and divorce are the main reasons contributing to a delayed first pregnancy. In addition, eclampsia and prematurity were reported as the major deleterious effects in primigravida women at old age. Some results of this review were organized by approximation of content and presented in the following categories: Children? What is the right time? Reasons leading to pregnancy at old age; and deleterious effects of late pregnancy to the fetus and the mother. Conclusion: This study showed that delayed pregnancy may lead to complications that threaten the mother’s and fetus’ lives, including eclampsia and prematurity. Thus, a rigorous follow-up is essential to prevent further damage. DESCRIPTORS Pregnancy Complications; Maternal Age; Pregnant Women.