No-271-Delayed Child-Bearing

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of delayed child-bearing and to describe the implications for women and health care providers .

Options: Delayed child-bearing, which has increased greatly in recent decades, is associated with an increased risk of infertility, pregnancy complications, and adverse pregnancy outcome . This guideline provides information that will optimize the counselling and care of Canadian women with respect to their reproductive choices .

Outcomes: Maternal age is the most important determinant of fertility, and obstetric and perinatal risks increase with maternal age . Many women are unaware of the success rates or limitations of assisted reproductive technology and of the increased medical risks of delayed child-bearing, including multiple births, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and Caesarean section . This guideline provides a framework to address these issues .

Evidence: Studies published between 2000 and August 2010 were retrieved through searches of PubMed and the Cochrane Library using appropriate key words (delayed child-bearing, deferred pregnancy, maternal age, assisted reproductive technology, infertility, and multiple births) and MeSH terms (maternal age, reproductive behaviour, fertility) . The Internet was also searched using similar key words, and national and international medical specialty societies were searched for clinical practice guidelines and position statements . Data were extracted based on the aims, sample, authors, year, and results .

Values: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

Sponsor: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

Keywords: Maternal age; delayed child-bearing; late maternal age; oocyte donation; reproductive technology.