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Molecular Autism Jun 2022Many empirical studies suggest that higher maternal age increases the likelihood of having an autistic child. However, little is known about factors that may explain...
BACKGROUND
Many empirical studies suggest that higher maternal age increases the likelihood of having an autistic child. However, little is known about factors that may explain this relationship or if higher maternal age is related to the number of autistic-like traits in offspring. One possibility is that mothers who have a higher number of autistic-like traits, including greater challenges performing mentalizing skills, are delayed in finding a partner. The goal of our study is to assess the relationship between maternal age, mentalizing skills and autistic-like traits as independent predictors of the number of autistic-like traits in offspring.
METHODS
In a population-based study in the Netherlands, information on maternal age was collected during pre- and perinatal enrolment. Maternal mentalizing skills and autistic-like traits were assessed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and the Autism Spectrum Quotient, respectively. Autistic-like traits in children were assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale. A total of 5718 mother/child dyads had complete data (M = 13.5 years; 50.2% girls).
RESULTS
The relationship between maternal age and autistic-like traits in offspring best fits a U-shaped curve. Furthermore, higher levels of autistic features in mothers are linked to higher levels of autistic-like traits in their children. Lower mentalizing performance in mothers is linked to higher levels of autistic-like traits in their children.
LIMITATIONS
We were able to collect data on both autistic-like traits and the mentalizing skills test in a large population of mothers, but we did not collect these data in a large number of the fathers.
CONCLUSIONS
The relationships between older and younger mothers may have comparable underlying mechanisms, but it is also possible that the tails of the U-shaped curve are influenced by disparate mechanisms.
Topics: Autistic Disorder; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Maternal Age; Mentalization; Mothers; Netherlands; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35705965
DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00507-4 -
European Psychiatry : the Journal of... Jan 2023Mental and physical health conditions are frequently comorbid. Despite the widespread physiological and behavioral changes during pregnancy, the pattern of comorbidities...
BACKGROUND
Mental and physical health conditions are frequently comorbid. Despite the widespread physiological and behavioral changes during pregnancy, the pattern of comorbidities among women in pregnancy is not well studied. This study aimed to systematically examine the associations between mental and somatic disorders before and during pregnancy.
METHOD
The study used data from mothers of a nationally representative birth cohort of children born in Israel (1997-2008). We compared the risk of all major somatic disorders (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision) in pregnant women with and without a mental disorder. All analyses were adjusted for maternal age, child's birth year, family socioeconomic status, and the total number of maternal encounters with health services around pregnancy period.
RESULTS
The analytical sample included 77,030 mother-child dyads, with 30,083 unique mothers. The mean age at child's birth was 29.8 years. Prevalence of diagnosis of mental disorder around pregnancy in our sample was 4.4%. Comorbidity between mental and somatic disorders was two times higher than the comorbidity between pairs of different somatic disorders. Of the 17 somatic disorder categories, seven were positively associated with mental health disorders. The highly prevalent comorbidities associated with mental disorders in pregnancy included e.g. musculoskeletal (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.20-1.42) and digestive system diseases (OR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.13-1.34).
CONCLUSIONS
We observed that associations between maternal diagnoses and mental health stand out from the general pattern of comorbidity between nonmental health diseases. The study results confirm the need for screening for mental disorders during pregnancy and for potential comorbid conditions associated with mental disorders.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Adult; Mental Disorders; Comorbidity; Mothers; Mental Health; Maternal Age
PubMed: 36645097
DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.1 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2021To evaluate the effect of age and parity on maternal cardiac diastolic function in second trimester among pregnant women with normal left ventricular ejection fraction....
To evaluate the effect of age and parity on maternal cardiac diastolic function in second trimester among pregnant women with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. To analyze the correlation between impaired diastolic function and pre-eclampsia. It had been suggested that maternal cardiac adaptations during pregnancy differed between nulliparous and primiparous women and also varied according to age. Impaired cardiac function may precede pre-eclampsia. Therefore, we examined the effects of parity and age on cardiac diastolic function during pregnancy and whether impaired diastolic function during the second trimester correlates with pre-eclampsia. Women with singleton pregnancies at 13 + 0 to 27 + 6 weeks' gestation and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% were retrospectively identified. Diastolic function parameters were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Pre-eclampsia was identified from medical records. The effect of age and parity on maternal cardiac diastolic function as well as the correlation between impaired diastolic function and occurrence rate of pre-eclampsia were examined. 376 pregnant women were included (median age: 30 years; median gestational age: 14 weeks; 171 primiparous women). LVEF was 66%. Impaired cardiac diastolic function was seen in 7.8% of pregnant women < 35 years compared with 28.6% of those ≥ 35 years (p = 0.000). ROC curve showed women with maternal age over 32 began to have a higher rate of impaired cardiac diastolic function (AUC = 0.704, p = 0.000, sensitivity = 54.5%, specificity = 75.3%). There was no difference in diastolic function indices between maternal women grouped by parity. Higher maternal age was an independent risk factor of declining Em (p < 0.05). Em < 13 cm/s was significantly associated with pre-eclampsia occurrence (HR 8.56; 95% CI 3.40-21.57) after being adjusted for confounders. Maternal age is an independent risk factor for diastolic function decline. There is no difference in cardiac diastolic function between nulliparous women and primiparous women. Pre-eclampsia occurrence is significantly higher in patients with impaired diastolic function at mid-gestation. The application of risk grading using diastolic function at mid-gestation may improve the survival outcomes of pregnant women.
Topics: Adult; Diastole; Echocardiography; Female; Humans; Maternal Age; Parity; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Retrospective Studies; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 33893350
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87953-x -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Feb 2020Uterine rupture is a critical complication causing fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Data are conflicting regarding whether grandmultiparity (parity ≥ 6) is...
INTRODUCTION
Uterine rupture is a critical complication causing fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Data are conflicting regarding whether grandmultiparity (parity ≥ 6) is a risk factor. This multicenter cohort study aimed to determine whether grandmultiparity (parity ≥ 6) poses a risk for uterine rupture in women with no previous cesarean delivery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A multicenter retrospective study of deliveries that occurred between the years 2003 and 2015 in three tertiary medical centers. Deliveries of grandmultiparous women were compared with those of multiparous women (parity 2-5). Women with previous cesarean deliveries were excluded. Multivariable regression modeling was applied to control for possible confounders.
RESULTS
A total of 388 784 deliveries of multiparous women with unscarred uteri were recorded during the study period, including 53 965 deliveries of grandmultiparous women and 334 819 deliveries of multiparous women. Grandmultiparous women were significantly older (33.9 ± 5 vs 27.3 ± 5 years; P < 0.0001). Fourteen cases of uterine rupture were recorded in the grandmultiparae group (1 per 3855 labors) vs 41 in the multiparae group (1 per 8166 labors) (odds ratio [OR] 2.07, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.13-3.81; P = 0.030). However, in a multivariable model controlling for maternal age, the association between grandmultiparity and uterine rupture lost its significance (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.66-2.41; P = 0.491), and maternal age emerged as an independent predictor of uterine rupture (adjusted OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.13; P < 0.0001). Additionally, the risk for uterine rupture was elevated in a linear fashion, concomitant with age.
CONCLUSIONS
Maternal age is a risk factor for uterine rupture. Grandmultiparity does not increase the risk beyond that associated with maternal age.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Maternal Age; Parity; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Uterine Rupture
PubMed: 31505021
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13725 -
BMJ Open Jun 2022The Anhui Maternal-Child Health Study (AMCHS) aims to examine determinants of reproduction, pregnancy and postpartum maternal and child health outcomes in Chinese women...
PURPOSE
The Anhui Maternal-Child Health Study (AMCHS) aims to examine determinants of reproduction, pregnancy and postpartum maternal and child health outcomes in Chinese women who received assisted reproductive technology (ART).
STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS
AMCHS is an ongoing cohort study starting from May 2017. AMCHS recruits participants from all couples who sought ART treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China. The participants are interviewed to document baseline sociodemography, lifestyles, dietary intake and environmental exposure. Their clinical characteristics are obtained from hospital records. Samples of blood, follicular fluid and semen are collected at the clinic. Participants receive a standard long pituitary downregulation or a short protocol with an antagonist for the treatment. They are followed up from preconception to delivery, or discontinuation of ART treatment. Details of their children's health are documented through a questionnaire focusing on developmental status and anthropometry measurement.
FINDINGS TO DATE
Until April 2021, AMCHS had recruited 2042 couples in the study. 111 women withdrew from the study and 19 failed to retrieve oocytes. Among the 1475 confirmed pregnancies, 146 had miscarriages or terminated their pregnancies, 9 had stillbirths and 263 were ongoing pregnancies. The implantation failure increased with maternal age; adjusted OR was 1.43 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.77) in the age of 31-35 years, 1.97 (95% CI 1.46 to 2.66) in 35-39 years and 6.52 (95% CI 3.35 to 12.68) in ≥40 years compared with those aged 20-30 years. Among the 1057 couples with successful ART who were followed up for delivering babies, 576 had their children examined at age 30-42 days, 459 at 6 months and 375 at 12 months.
FUTURE PLANS
The AMCHS will identify comprehensive risk factors for poor ART outcomes and explore potential interaction effects of multiple factors including sociopsychological aspects of environmental exposure, dietary intake and genetics on maternal and child health.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Child; Child Health; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Maternal Age; Pregnancy; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
PubMed: 35768099
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060091 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Oct 2021Pregnancies in women over 35 years of age are becoming more frequent. The majority of studies point to an age of 35 as a provider of obstetric and neonatal... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Pregnancies in women over 35 years of age are becoming more frequent. The majority of studies point to an age of 35 as a provider of obstetric and neonatal complications. But several confounding factors are not taken into account and this results in contradictory results.
METHODS
The objective was to quantify the strength of the association between maternal age and obstetric and neonatal morbidity. This observational study was based on systematic records of 9 years of pregnancies managed in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Antoine Béclère Hospital, Clamart, France. In all, 24,674 pregnancies were managed at Antoine Béclère Hospital between April 1, 2007 and December 31, 2015, including 23,291 singleton pregnancies. Maternal age was the age at the beginning of pregnancy, taken as a quantitative variable. The main outcome measure was a composite "unfavourable" pregnancy outcome that included miscarriage, induced abortion, in utero foetal death, stillborn or newborn infant weighing under 500 g or delivered before 24 weeks of gestational age. Obstetric and neonatal morbidity comprised hospitalisation during pregnancy for more than 1 day, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes requiring hospitalisation, caesarean delivery, preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, and newborn transfer to the paediatric unit or neonatal intensive care unit.
RESULTS
Analyses were conducted among singleton pregnancies (n = 23,291) and were adjusted for obesity, assisted reproductive technology and geographical origin of the mother. Unfavourable pregnancy outcome rate tripled with age, from 5% among women aged 25 to 34 to 16% among those over 45. Women over 40 were twice as likely to be hospitalised as those aged 25 to 34. The caesarean section rate reached more than 40% among women over 40 and more than 60% in women over 45. The rate of newborn transfer to paediatric intensive care or a neonatal intensive care unit was doubled in women over 40 and small-for-gestational age was more frequent with age, reaching 34% in women over 45.
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of maternal-foetal complications increases steadily with age and is particularly high after 35 years and closer monitoring appears to be necessary. These results provide additional evidence and information for public health decision-makers.
Topics: Adult; Female; France; Humans; Maternal Age; Middle Aged; Morbidity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34711168
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04177-7 -
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy 2022Although maternal-fetal surgery to treat fetal anomalies such as spina bifida continues to grow more common, potential health disparities in the field remain relatively... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Although maternal-fetal surgery to treat fetal anomalies such as spina bifida continues to grow more common, potential health disparities in the field remain relatively unexamined. To address this gap, we identified maternal-fetal surgery studies with the highest level of evidence and analyzed the reporting of participant sociodemographic characteristics and representation of racial and ethnic groups.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature using biomedical databases. We selected randomized control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies with comparison groups published in English from 1990 to May 5, 2020. We included studies from across the globe that examined the efficacy of fetal surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), obstructive uropathy, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), myelomeningocele (MMC), thoracic lesions, cardiac malformations, or sacrococcygeal teratoma. We determined the frequency of reporting of age, gravidity/parity, race, ethnicity, education level, language spoken, insurance, income level, and relationship status. We identified whether sociodemographic factors were used as inclusion or exclusion criteria. We calculated the racial and ethnic group representation for studies in the USA using the participation-to-prevalence ratio (PPR).
RESULTS
We included 112 studies (10 RCTs, 102 cohort) published from 1990-1999 (8%), 2000-2009 (30%), and 2010-2020 (62%). Most studies were conducted in the USA (47%) or Europe (38%). The median sample size was 58. TTTS was the most common disease group (37% of studies), followed by MMC (23%), and CDH (21%). The most frequently reported sociodemographic variables were maternal age (33%) and gravidity/parity (20%). Race and/or ethnicity was only reported in 12% of studies. Less than 10% of studies reported any other sociodemographic variables. Sociodemographic variables were used as exclusion criteria in 13% of studies. Among studies conducted in the USA, White persons were consistently overrepresented relative to their prevalence in the US disease populations (PPR 1.32-2.11), while Black or African-American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, American-Indian or Alaska-Native, and Native-Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander persons were consistently underrepresented (PPR 0-0.60).
CONCLUSIONS
Sociodemographic reporting quality in maternal-fetal surgery studies is poor and inhibits examination of potential health disparities. Participants enrolled in studies in the USA do not adequately represent the racial and ethnic diversity of the population across disease groups.
Topics: Black People; Ethnicity; Female; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Maternal Age; Pregnancy; United States
PubMed: 35272297
DOI: 10.1159/000523867 -
Salud Colectiva Apr 2023This study sought to estimate the prevalence and distribution of newborns to mothers under age 18 in Ecuador and the association between perinatal indicators and...
This study sought to estimate the prevalence and distribution of newborns to mothers under age 18 in Ecuador and the association between perinatal indicators and maternal marital status. Newborn records obtained from Ecuador's Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC) between 2015 and 2020 were used to assess the joint association between maternal age groups (10-15, 16-17, 18-19, and 20-24 years) and marital status (married, common-law, and single) with low birthweight, preterm birth, and inadequate prenatal care. The prevalence of newborns to mothers under age 18 was 9.3% overall, but declined over the study period, drastically among married mothers. The association between marital status and perinatal indicators depended on maternal age. The more favorable outcomes observed among married mothers aged 20-24 years (compared to their single counterparts) weaken or disappear among mothers under age 18. Mothers in stable unions exhibited outcomes in between those of married and single mothers.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Ecuador; Marriage; Maternal Age; Mothers; Premature Birth; Adolescent; Young Adult
PubMed: 37311140
DOI: 10.18294/sc.2023.4325 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2021To evaluate associations between early-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and active first stage labour duration, accounting for possible interaction with maternal age, we...
To evaluate associations between early-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and active first stage labour duration, accounting for possible interaction with maternal age, we conducted a cohort study of women with spontaneous onset of labour allocated to Robson group 1. Quantile regression analysis was performed to estimate first stage labour duration between BMI categories in two maternal age subgroups (more and less than 30 years). Results show that obesity (BMI > 30) among younger women (< 30 years) increased the median labour duration of first stage by 30 min compared with normal weight women (BMI < 25), and time difference estimated at the 90th quantile was more than 1 h. Active first stage labour time differences between obese and normal weight women was modified by maternal age. In conclusion: (a) obesity is associated with longer duration of first stage of labour, and (b) maternal age is an effect modifier for this association. This novel finding of an effect modification between BMI and maternal age contributes to the body of evidence that supports a more individualized approach when describing labour duration.
Topics: Adult; Body Mass Index; Cesarean Section; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Labor, Obstetric; Maternal Age; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Time Factors
PubMed: 34226624
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93217-5 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Aug 2019Complete uterine rupture, a rare peripartum complication, is often associated with a catastrophic outcome for both mother and child. However, few studies have...
INTRODUCTION
Complete uterine rupture, a rare peripartum complication, is often associated with a catastrophic outcome for both mother and child. However, few studies have investigated large datasets to evaluate maternal outcomes after complete ruptures, particularly in unscarred uteri. This paucity of studies is partly due to the rarity of both the event and the serious outcomes, such as peripartum hysterectomy and maternal death. The incidence of uterine rupture is expected to increase, due to increasing cesarean section rates worldwide. Thus, it is important to have more complete knowledge about the immediate maternal outcome following a complete uterine rupture. The objective was to identify maternal outcomes and their risk factors following complete uterine ruptures.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This was a population-based study using data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, the Patient Administration System and medical records. Maternities with complete uterine rupture after start of labor in Norway during 1967-2008 (n = 247 births), identified among 2 209 506 women. Uterine ruptures were identified from both registries and were further studied through a review of medical records. Only complete ruptures were included in analysis. The associations between maternal outcomes and demographic and labor risk factors were estimated. Odds ratios (ORs) were determined with crude logistic regressions for each risk factor. Separate multivariable logistic regressions were performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
We identified 88 (35.6%) healthy mothers, 107 (43.3%) severe postpartum hemorrhages without hysterectomy, 51 (20.6%) peripartum hysterectomies, and three (1.2%) maternal deaths. Peripartum hysterectomy decreased significantly in the last years of study. Unscarred uterine ruptures significantly increased the risk of peripartum hysterectomy compared with scarred uterine ruptures (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.3). Other factors that increased the risk of peripartum hysterectomy following rupture were: maternal age ≥35 years (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-5.0), parity ≥3 vs parity 1-2 (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.7), and rupture detection after vaginal delivery (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.8).
CONCLUSIONS
Unscarred uteri, older maternal age, parity ≥3, and rupture detection after vaginal delivery showed the highest associations with the risk of peripartum hysterectomy after complete uterine rupture.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Maternal Age; Norway; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Registries; Risk Factors; Uterine Rupture
PubMed: 30762871
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13579