ABSTRACT
The age of the mother is a key variable in clinical and epidemiological studies of reproduction, of pregnancy complications, and of birth outcome. The available data on perinatal risks associated with delayed childbearing show an increased risk of early and late fetal loss, of chromosomal aberrations, of low birthweight, delayed fetal growth and neonatal mortality. More delayed childbearers were better educated and worked in professional occupations in 1979 compared to 1970. A high proportion of delayed childbearers utilize prenatal care. Retrospectively collected interview data from the 1976 National Survey of Family Growth also show an increase in impaired fecundity and infertility with advancing maternal age. A critical question arises as to whether observed increased risk with advancing maternal age is direct effect of the age of the mother or due to confounding factors such as toxemia, pre-eclampsia, prior fetal loss. A similar age related effect of chromosomally normal abortions has been reported by T. Hassold et al.
