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There is a higher incidence of infertility, chromosomal aberrations, poor results of in vitro fertilization, ectopic pregnancies, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, placenta previa, gestational diabetes mellitus, caesarean section, chronic diseases with higher rates of admission into intensive care units, and a higher rate of maternal mortality among women who delay pregnancy into advanced age. This is mainly due to socioeconomic causes as well as the increased use of contraceptives. Problems due to advanced maternal age arise also with egg donations. Only chromosome aberrations are related to the age of the donor. Paternal age also appears to play a significant role in the outcome of the pregnancy. However, opinions vary in the literature available. Counseling the couples should be addressed.

The problem ofdecreased fertility in women of advanced reproductive age is important today. The number of women of advanced age with infertility is increasing constantly, however efficiency of infertility treatment (even with the use of artificial reproductive technologies) remains low. There are many biological and other causes ofageassociated infertility. Women of advanced reproductive age have high incidence of somatic and gynecological diseases, high risk of chromosomal abnormalities of oocytes and embryos and diminished ovarian reserve. This paper considers the main causes of decreased fertility in women of advanced age, impact of aging on oocyte quality and in vitro fertilization outcomes, and possibilities of application of preimplantation genetic screening in this group of women.

Abstract The age is the basic factor influencing the woman's fertility. The older woman is, the biological fertility is reduced. A woman reaches the maximum fertility at the age of 20-25 years, after which fertility gradually decreases, until the age of 35, when it drastically decreases. Late motherhood is associated with an increased risk of complications for woman and developing fetus’s health. Pregnancy after the age of 35 is considered a high-risk pregnancy since the possibility of the development of abnormalities in the functioning of the woman's body and the course of pregnancy and childbirth. The phenomenon of postponing motherhood for a time when a woman acquires a good education and a stable financial situation requires undertaking educational and information activities about the biological, psychological and social consequences of late motherhood. It is definitely better to plan maternity at the most optimal age to minimize the risk of pregnancy and health of the child complications.