Clinics in Mother and Child Health

Abstract

The Risk of Adverse Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Cameroonian Primiparous Women Aged More Than 26 Years

E. Nkwabong, J. N. Fomulu, A. Hamida, A. Onana, P. T. Tjek, L. Kouam, and P. Ngassa1

Primiparas with advanced age are predisposed to adverse maternal and neonatal risks. The aim of this retrospective cohort study, conducted between January 1st and December 31st, 2004 in the maternity of the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon, was to identify from what age these adverse risks become significant in Cameroonian women. The medical files of 233 primiparae aged 26 and above (case) and that of 404 primiparae aged between 20 and 25 years (control) were reviewed and some data compared. Cesarean sections, instrumental deliveries, low Apgar scores at 5th minute and early neonatal death rates were significantly higher in primiparae aged 27 years and above. Hence, Cameroonian women should be enlightened about the risks of delaying first delivery. Furthermore, first pregnancies to be carried at term and first deliveries in women aged 27 and above shall be considered at high risk and consequently well followed.