Early Neonatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent pregnancies, which are undesirable situations, can adversely affect maternal and infant health. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of adolescent pregnancies on early neonatal outcomes. METHODS: In this study, electronic files of adolescents (14-19 years old) and 20 years old mothers (control group) who gave birth and their babies in a tertiary hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data of the mother and baby were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 2638 patients, 1842 (69.82%) adolescents and 796 (30.17%) 20 years old mothers, were included in this study. While the birth weights of the babies of adolescent pregnant women were significantly lower than the control group; mean gestational ages, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), small for gestational age (SGA), and hypoglycemia rates were significantly higher (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.046, p=0.038, p=0.042, respectively). Adolescent mothers' body mass index was lower, preeclampsia and cesarean delivery rates were higher (p<0.001, p=0.048, p<0.001, respectively). The rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and other neonatal morbidities were similar in both groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Caesarean section rate is higher in adolescent pregnancies. Adolescent pregnancies are associated with negative neonatal outcomes like preeclampsia, IUGR, SGA and hypoglycemia. Social awareness should be provided to prevent adolescent pregnancies, which are still a problem. Regular follow-up of pregnant adolescents, especially in terms of preeclampsia and IUBG, is required. Close monitoring of infants of adolescent pregnant women is required for hypoglycemia is important.

Keywords

• adolescent pregnancy
• early neonatal period
• intrauterine growth retardation
• hypoglycemia
• preeclampsia
• high-risk pregnancy