A comprehensive global study led by the World Health Organization (WHO) has exposed a disturbing increase in maternal mortality rates among women over 40, challenging previous assumptions about advanced maternal age and pregnancy safety. The report, analyzing data from 150 countries, found that maternal deaths in this age group have risen by 22% since 2020, with the sharpest increases in high-income nations where delayed motherhood is most common.
The study attributes this trend to a combination of factors, including higher rates of pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes, reduced access to specialized prenatal care for older mothers, and a lack of tailored obstetric guidelines for this demographic. In the U.S., for instance, women over 40 now account for 15% of maternal deaths despite representing only 3% of births.
Dr. Fatima Nkosi, WHO’s lead maternal health expert, emphasized the urgent need for policy changes: “Healthcare systems must adapt to the reality of older mothers. This includes mandatory cardiovascular screenings, closer monitoring during pregnancy, and specialized delivery protocols.” The report also calls for better education about the risks of late-term pregnancies, as many women underestimate the dangers.
In response, several countries, including the UK and Canada, have announced new prenatal care initiatives targeting older expectant mothers. However, critics argue that without systemic changes in workplace policies and societal support for younger parenthood, the trend will persist.
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