THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL  AGE ON NEONATAL OUTCOMES Background and Aims:Childrens born premature or Small for Gestational Age (SGA) represents a major public health concern worldwide.The aim of this study is to evaluate association between neonatal outcomes and mother`s age at birth.
Methods:  We retrospectively evaluated 588 patients in Pediatric Department of Constanta Clinical County who were born in May-June 2018.
Results:Related to mother`s age at birth, in 1% mother`s aged  is under 15 years, 12% cases mother`s aged between 15-19 years, 20% between 20-24 years, 32% between 25-29 years, 23% between 30-34 years, 10% between 35-39 years, 3% between  40-44 years.The Apgar Score 10 is most commonly found among newborns whose mothers are between 30-34 years  (43%), while the Apgar Score 7 and the Apgar Score 8 are found in 7%, respectively 29% in newborns whose mothers aged between 40-44 years.Regarding the gestational age and birth weight, we observed that mothers below 19 years are having an increased risk of giving birth to prematures (50%) or SGA (25%), while mothers over 40 years gave birth to prematures in 25% and in 29% to macrosoms. Mothers aged 20-39 years in 70% of the cases gave birth to Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA).
Conclusions: The mother`s age at birth below 19 years and over 40 years represents a risk factor for premature birth. Prevention of premature birth starts with a good prenatal nutrition and care, especially if mother is very young.