Risk of miscarriage increases with age

The chances of a successful pregnancy decline rapidly in women over 35, according to a new study published in last week's British Medical Journal. The researchers, based at the Danish Epidemiology Centre, Copenhagen, found that the risk of miscarriage increased with age, regardless of reproductive history.

The researchers studied the outcome of more than a million pregnancies between 1978 and 1992 in over 600,000 women. They found that more than a fifth of all pregnancies in 35-year old women were unsuccessful, ending in miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. For women aged 42, the risk of miscarriage is 50 per cent, rising to 84 per cent by the age of 48.

The authors say their findings indicate that tendencies to postpone motherhood will increase the numbers of unsuccessful pregnancies, and possibly the costs of healthcare. But in an editorial in the same issue, researchers at Columbia University say that older parents have more experience and knowledge, and are in a better financial situation. 'Biological disadvantage is to a degree balanced by social advantage' they conclude.

In an article for the Independent, Maureen Freely argues that such findings need to be considered in the light of recent social trends, and the reasons behind them.