Comparison of Perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes of Adolescent and Adult Pregnant Women

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of obstetric and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women in two age groups: adolescents and adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 616 pregnant women's medical records, comprising 309 adolescents and 307 adults who met the study criteria, were retrospectively analyzed as part of a case-control study using hospital information systems. Information regarding the hospitalization status of the newborns, APGAR scores, and birth weights of the infants born to the participating mothers was obtained. Results: In our study, adolescent pregnant women showed higher rates of fetal distress, oligohydramnios, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and intrauterine growth restriction compared to adult pregnant women. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of polyhydramnios, intrauterine fetal demise (IUMF), gestational diabetes, placenta previa, placental abruption, first and fifth minute APGAR scores, preeclampsia, and rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. The birth weights of newborns were found to be lower in the adolescent group compared to the adult group. Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated that adolescent pregnancies are at higher risk for fetal distress, oligohydramnios, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine fetal demise, and low birth weight.

Keywords

• gravidity
• pregnancy in adolescence
• pregnancy outcomes