Are Adverse Neonatal Outcomes More Frequent in Adolescent Pregnancies?

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is a complex issue since it has been associated to adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. Method: This is a cross-sectional analytical study, having as a data source the medical records of pregnant women at a reference maternity hospital, located in the northeast of Brazil. Data was collected on maternal age, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, type of delivery, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores less than 7, and fetal deaths. For the analysis of data, two groups were distinguished according to age: 1) girls aged 13-19 years old, and 2) women aged 20-34 years old. Results: A total of 1642 pregnant women’s medical records were included in this study, 28.1% belonged to adolescent mothers, and 71.9% to adult mothers. In the comparison between groups, there were significantly more cesarean deliveries to mothers aged 20-34 years (p<.001); and a significantly higher proportion of preterm deliveries in the group of adolescent mothers (p=.0239). The other study variables did not present statistical significance. Conclusions: Adolescent mothers are at higher odds of preterm birth, and since this factor is associated short- and long-term adverse outcomes for the neonate, there is a need to prioritize this age group in prenatal care.