Gestación y parto en mujeres con edad materna avanzada en Tunja, Colombia. 2011-2015

Introduction: Pregnancy in women >35 years is considered an obstetric risk condition, for both the mother and the fetus. Objective: To explore the prevalence and determinants associated with pregnancy in women >35 years in Tunja. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study in which the institutional records of deliveries occurred in women living in Tunja during the period 2011-2015 was analyzed. Results: There were 1 558 births to women >35 years, which constitutes 11.6-13% of the annual total; 49.8% of those births were delivered by caesarean section. Associated factors included affiliation to the contributory regime, school level of the pregnant woman and her partner, urban habitat and stable partner. No increased risk of obstetric complications was found in comparison with other age groups, but positive association with higher probability of prematurity, overweight, stillbirth and cesarean section was observed. Conclusions: The incidence of birth is slightly higher than the national average, perhaps due to social and cultural factors not fully established, but similar to those reported in the literature. It is advisable to deepen the analysis of determinants to improve surveillance and control strategies, as well as screening routines.