Malagi, UshaYadagouda, Vinuta R.2024-07-182024-07-182018-07https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810212185Nutritional status and complications related to advanced maternal age pregnancy was investigated in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2017 – 18. About 50 primigarvida women from younger (20 – 29 years) and older age groups (> 35 years) were selected for the case – control study from four hospitals of Hubli and Dharwad. The general information, nutritional status, morbidity pattern, complications of pregnancy and the knowledge and practices regarding reproductive health were collected through pre-structured schedule. The results revealed that older pregnant women delayed the conception due to late marriage, previous abortions, pursuit of higher education and occupation. The mean nutrient intake of all the nutrients was lower than the recommended dietary allowance in both the groups. Mean weight and blood glucose level were higher in older pregnant women compared to the younger ones. Mean haemoglobin values were lower in both the groups with more number of severely anemic women in older category. The knowledge and practice scores regarding reproductive health were significantly higher in older pregnant women compared to younger ones (p < 0.01). The maternal complications viz., pre-eclampsia (60% vs 20%), gestational diabetes mellitus (38% vs 24%), placenta previa (6% vs none). Delivery complications like lower segment caesarean section and outcome complications such as low birth weight babies, neonatal intensive care unit admissions were significantly higher in older pregnant women compared to younger ones (p < 0.01). So there is a need to educate the older pregnant women to increase the intake of adequate balanced diet, iron and folic acid supplements, regular antenatal visits throughout the pregnancy and avail health care facilities for the healthy mother and pregnancy outcome.EnglishThesis