[The pregnancy in women above 40 years (author's transl)].

The Authors have studied 272 pregnancies in women above 40 years. This record was on 27.215 deliveries in ten years (1970-1979) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Parma. From 1970 to 1979 this phenomenon has decreased by 50%. The incidence of obstetric pathology has been elevated (38,87%): this percentage has been more in premature rupture of membranes, pre-eclampsia and uterine inertia. Of these 272 pregnancies, the 37,35% had pathologic cases before pregnancy: these cases were hypertension, heart troubles and diabetes. Cesarean section was elevated (38,98%), so also premature delivery (12,86%) and low birthweight (12,68%). The incidence of malformations was 10,50%. The perinatal mortality was elevated (49,05%0): the majority of this mortality was recorded before delivery.