A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Serum Cholesterol, Blood Glucose, and Body Mass Index Differences Between Elderly Primigravida and Multigravida

Abstract

Background: With an increasing trend of delayed childbearing, pregnancies at advanced maternal age (AMA; ≥35 years) are becoming more common, especially in industrialized and developing countries alike. While AMA has traditionally been linked to increased pregnancy complications, the impact of maternal age on metabolic parameters during pregnancy remains underexplored, particularly in Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to compare serum cholesterol levels, blood glucose, and BMI between elderly primigravidae and multigravidae in the mid-second trimester. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2025 at three hospitals in Khulna, Bangladesh, enrolling 272 pregnant women aged ≥35 years—132 primigravidae and 140 multigravidae. Sociodemographic data, obstetric history, and mid-second trimester laboratory values (serum lipids, HbA1c, and BMI) were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age was 36.8 ± 1.7 years for primigravidae and 37.5 ± 2.1 years for multigravidae. Hypertension and diabetes were more prevalent among multigravidae (22.1% and 18.6%) than primigravidae (16.7% and 12.1%). Multigravidae exhibited higher mean BMI (27.3 ± 3.5 kg/m² vs. 26.1 ± 3.2 kg/m²), total cholesterol (217.8 ± 31.4 mg/dL vs. 205.5 ± 28.3 mg/dL), LDL (134.7 ± 25.1 mg/dL vs. 126.4 ± 22.6 mg/dL), triglycerides (175.5 ± 34.1 mg/dL vs. 162.1 ± 30.6 mg/dL), and HbA1c (5.9% ± 0.8 vs. 5.6% ± 0.7), while HDL levels were slightly lower. Mean hemoglobin levels were also marginally lower in multigravidae. Conclusion: Elderly multigravidae demonstrated significantly higher BMI, dyslipidemia, and glycemic markers compared to primigravidae, suggesting an elevated metabolic risk profile. These findings underscore the importance of tailored antenatal monitoring and nutritional counseling in elderly pregnant women, particularly those with previous pregnancies.