Performance of elderly primigravidae in Kelantan

The obstetric performance of 59 elderly primigravidae delivering at the University Hospital, Kelantan, between January 1, 1987 and December 12, 1988 is compared with that of 60 young primigravidae delivering during the same time period. The total number of deliveries during this period was 16,284, and the predominant ethnic group was Malays. Apart from an increased incidence of preeclampsia (23.7% vs. 13.3%), breech presentation (6.78% vs. 3.33%) and Caesarean sections (74.6% vs. 10%) among the study group, there were no other statistically significant obstetric complications. Majority of Caesarean sections were done as emergency procedures, the principal indications being poor progress of labour and foetal distress. The neonatal outcome (in terms of birthweight, gestational age and breastfeeding at discharge) was similar in the two groups. For most women in both groups this was the first marriage, though a higher proportion in the study group had an interval of more than two years between marriage and childbirth.