Impact of Advanced Maternal Age and In Vitro Fertilization Technology on Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes

PurposeTo analyze obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with advanced maternal age (AMA) after undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. MethodsA single-center prospective observational study was conducted between January-December 2024. All women aged 40 and older who conceived via IVF were included. Participants were monitored monthly by a dedicated team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists who assessed maternal clinical conditions and fetal development. ResultsA total of 128 pregnant women were recruited. Nearly half of them were nulliparous (n=60,46.88%) and a total of 71 conceived by oocyte donation (55.47%). A remarkable proportion of women experienced preterm rupture of membranes (n=11,8.59%), diabetes mellitus (n=6,4.69%) or hypertensive disorders (n=13,10.32%). Cesarean delivery was performed in 63 cases (50.4%). Regarding neonatal outcomes, the mean birth weight was 3,027grams and the mean umbilical cord pH was 7.29. Eight newborns (6.45%) required admission to intensive care unit. Postnatal comorbidities were identified in 14 infants, with respiratory complications being the most frequent (12/14). ConclusionsPregnancies in women of AMA following IVF are associated with remarkable obstetric and neonatal risks. Our findings emphasize that despite meticulous, close and personalized monitoring in a maternal-fetal medicine unit specialized in high-risk pregnancies, not all unfavorable outcomes can be prevented.