TITLE:
Socio-Demographic and Obstetric Profile of Late Pregnancies in Douala (Cameroon)
AUTHORS:
Astrid Ruth Ndolo Kondo, Michèle Florence Mendoua, Michel Ekono, Gertrude Moukouri Same, Charlotte Tchente Nguefack, Emile Mboudou
KEYWORDS:
Late Pregnancy, Socio-Demographic Profile, Obstetric Profile, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.12,
December
19,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Geriatric pregnancy, defined as pregnancy occurring at age 35 or older, is becoming increasingly common worldwide. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where late pregnancies are common in the context of limited resources, they are associated with an increased risk of maternal and perinatal complications. However, local data in Cameroon remain scarce, thus prompting this review. Objective: To describe the socio-demographic and obstetric profile of geriatric pregnancies in Douala. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal observational study with prospective data collection. The study lasted eight months, from January to August 2025, and collected data from 234 women aged 35 years or older who were treated at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. The variables analysed included age, marital status, educational level, occupation, medical history, prenatal care, and the course of pregnancy and delivery. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. The results are presented as means ± standard deviations and proportions. Results: The average age of the participants was 38.7 ± 3.1 years, with a predominance of those aged 35 - 39 (62.5%) and those aged ≥ 40 (37.5%). The majority were multiparous (71.8%), single (61.1%) and had secondary or higher education (74.6%). More than half were employed (57.9%). Prenatal care was considered satisfactory (1 antenatal care visit per month) in 61.3% of cases. The caesarean section rate reached 50.8%, dominated by indications of cephalopelvic disproportion and scarred uterus. The main maternal complications were gestational hypertension and postpartum haemorrhage. Conclusion: In Douala, geriatric pregnancies mainly concern multiparous women aged 35 - 39, with a good level of education and relatively adequate prenatal care. However, the high caesarean section rate highlights the need for appropriate preventive strategies and enhanced intrapartum monitoring.