Abstract

PIP: Records of single 1st births to married women resident to Aberdeen Scotland, were examined to determine the relationship between age and reproduction. General significance of age differences are as follows: 1) the proportion of primiparae 40 years or older is 15% of the population; 2) women from educated classes postpone marriage and childbearing until economic stability has been obtained: 3) physical health and height are correlated, taller (and usually older) primiparae are in better health and physique than small, younger women. There is a detrimental effect of increasing age on primary sterility rates. The incidence of preeclamptic toxemia is little affected by age. However, incidence of placenta previa and ectopic pregnancy increases with age. Stillbirth rates rise steadily with maternal age after age 20. In the elderly primiparae, postmaturity and long labor are particular dangers. Lactation shows a progressive and marked deterioration as age innreases. Future reasearch should be directed to determining the physical and biochemical nature of the change in aging tissues, especially those that are nonfunctional but yet undergo cyclical development and regression.