Jodhpur, May 9 -- A recent study conducted at Dr SN Medical College's Umaid Hospital has revealed that women experiencing their first childbirth at the age of 35 or older-termed elderly primigravida-are significantly more vulnerable to pregnancy-related complications, including a markedly higher incidence of twin pregnancies among those aged 40 and above. The study found that 58.3% of women in this age group had twin gestations, underscoring the unique risks associated with late-age first-time motherhood and the critical need for specialised prenatal care. The prospective observational study, led by Dr Rizwana Shaheen, senior professor in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, analysed 90 cases of elderly primigravida admitted between February and July 2024. The study aimed to assess antenatal complications as well as maternal and fetal outcomes in this specific group. "The most common reason for delayed conception was infertility, accounting for 58.9% of the cases. Late marriage was cited in 40% of the cases, while 1.1% of the women delayed childbirth due to career preferences," Dr Shaheen said. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDOP) were the most prevalent complication, affecting nearly 29% of the women. Other common issues included oligohydramnios (17%), gestational diabetes mellitus (14.4%), and preterm labour (11%). Dr Shaheen added that the average age of participants was 36.7 years, while the mean gestational age at delivery was 37.1 weeks. Despite being free from risks associated with previous pregnancies or multiple prior deliveries, these women faced heightened vulnerabilities due to the combination of advanced age and being first-time mothers. The study notes that pregnancies in this age group are often considered "precious pregnancies"-a term reflecting the emotional and biological value of what may be a woman's only chance at motherhood. As such, complications in these cases are not just medically but also psychologically significant. The research concludes that elderly primigravida pregnancies should be classified as high-risk and require more vigilant antenatal monitoring. "There is a clear correlation between increasing maternal age and the incidence of twin gestation and hypertensive disorders. These findings emphasise the need for tailored obstetric care in such cases," Dr. Shaheen said. Given the rising trend of delayed motherhood due to changing social and economic priorities of women, the study advocates for greater public awareness and policy focus on ensuring that pregnancies for elderly primigravida women are safe....