Perinatal complications in elderly primigravidas.

To clinical problems encountered in a group of 1.179 elderly primigravidas (greater than 35 years) during pregnancy, labor and the neonatal period were studied in an eleven-year review and compared to a randomised group of 66.819 pregnant women. The incidence of toxemia and fibromyomas was significantly higher in the group of the elderly primigravidas than in the control group. Forceps and cesarean sections were performed more frequently in the elderly primigravidas. The perinatal mortality rate, congenital malformations, neonatal infections and respiratory distress were significantly higher in the first group. The reduce the forementioned perinatal complications, elderly primigravidas need intensive care in special units.