Pregnancy and childbirth among women aged 40 and over in the gynecology-obstetrics department of the regional university hospital center of Ouahigouya: epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects.

Abstract

Objective: Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with retrospective data collection over five years from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. Results: During the period of our study the total number of women in pregnancy was 11,473, among
whom 383 were 40 years old and over, or 3.3%. The number of deliveries was 231 among women aged 40 and over, i.e. 2% of cases. Abortions (29.8%), macrosomia (3.2%), premature rupture of membranes (2.9%) and fetal death in utero (2.1% of cases) were the main complications. As for newborns; 27.6% of them had an Apgar score of less than 7 at the 5th minute. We also recorded 40
stillbirths, i.e., 16.3%. Conclusion: Parturients of age greater than or equal to 40 years are more likely to have stillbirths during their deliveries. A meticulous and rigorous prenatal consultation remains the only essential option to limit the consequences.