Maternal age and elective cesarean section in a low-risk population

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Obstetrics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Elective cesarean section rates are increasing globally.
• Understanding risk factors for elective cesarean section is crucial for optimizing maternal and infant outcomes.
• Maternal age is a potential, modifiable risk factor that warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal age and the likelihood of elective cesarean section.
• To analyze this association specifically in a low-risk population of women undergoing their first or second birth.

Main Methods:

• A population-based registry study was conducted in Norway.
• Data from 229,370 low-risk primiparous and para one mothers (1999-2006) were analyzed.
• Relative-risk models were used to assess the association between maternal age and elective cesarean delivery.

Main Results:

• Cesarean delivery rates increased substantially with maternal age, particularly for elective procedures.
• In primiparous women aged ≥40 years, the relative risk of elective cesarean section was 11.7 compared to those aged 20-24 years.
• For para one women aged ≥40 years, the relative risk of elective cesarean section was 4.5 (no prior cesarean) and 2.9 (prior cesarean) compared to those under 25 years.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between advanced maternal age and elective cesarean section in low-risk populations.
• These findings highlight maternal age as a key factor influencing elective cesarean delivery decisions.
• Further research may explore the underlying reasons for this age-related trend.