Tailoring peripartum nursing care for women of advanced maternal age

J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2007 Nov-Dec;36(6):616-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2007.00197.x.

Abstract

Births to women of advanced maternal age have increased dramatically over the last decade in both the United States. The majority of women who deliver their first baby after age 35 are healthy and experience positive birth outcomes. According to current research, primigravidas over 35 tend to be educated consumers. Their physical and psychosocial needs differ from those of the mother in her 20s, due to advanced age and factors related to difficulty conceiving and life circumstances. This paper presents (a) an overview of the possible risks to outcomes of childbearing for women over the age of 35; (b) a discussion of how women of advanced maternal age may differ from younger women related to developmental stage, stress or anxiety or both, decision making, and support systems; and (c) an exploration of tailoring nursing care strategies during the peripartum period specifically for this age cohort.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Communication
  • Decision Making
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Gravidity*
  • Humans
  • Maternal Age*
  • Maternal-Child Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mothers / education
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Needs Assessment
  • Nurse's Role / psychology
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Patient Care Planning / organization & administration*
  • Patient Participation
  • Postnatal Care / organization & administration*
  • Postnatal Care / psychology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Puerperal Disorders / prevention & control
  • Puerperal Disorders / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • United States