Advanced Maternal Age and Risks for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Population-Based Study in Oman

To test the hypothesis that advanced maternal age (AMA) of 35 years and above is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, we performed a population-based retrospective study using data from the 2000 National Health Survey in Oman. The last pregnancy outcomes of mothers aged ≥35 years were compared with adult mothers aged 20–34 years using bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Significantly increased risks of spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, prolonged labor, and cesarean section delivery have been observed for advanced maternal age. Our findings may contribute to cross-cultural understanding of the risks associated with AMA and will facilitate evidence-based counseling of older expectant mothers.