Maternal age
Maternal Age
Maternal age (pronounced: məˈtərnəl āj) refers to the age of a woman at the time of giving birth. It is a significant factor in various health outcomes for both the mother and the child.
Etymology
The term "maternal" originates from the Latin word "mater" meaning mother, and "age" from the Old French "aage", which is derived from the Latin "aetas" meaning lifetime or age.
Definition
Maternal age is typically divided into three categories:
Health Implications
The maternal age at the time of pregnancy can have significant implications on the health of both the mother and the child.
- Teenage pregnancies are often associated with higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal mortality.
- Adult pregnancies generally have lower risks, but the risk of complications can increase with age, particularly after 35 years.
- Advanced pregnancies are associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and complications during childbirth.
Related Terms
- Pregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body.
- Gestational age: The age of an embryo or fetus (or newborn, in clinical settings) calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period.
- Neonatal: Pertaining to the first four weeks after birth.
- Preterm birth: Birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby's estimated due date.
- Gestational diabetes: A condition in which a woman without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
- Preeclampsia: A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Maternal age
- Wikipedia's article - Maternal age
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