Outcome of Teenage Pregnancy in a Low Resource Setting: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Teenage pregnancy constitutes a high-risk pregnancy due to possible physical, psychological, socio-economic and increased obstetric risks associated with it. These risks though equally present in the older pregnant women are probably less when compared with teenagers. Thus perinatal outcome of pregnancies in these groups of patients varies. Objective: To compare the socio-demographic characteristics, pattern of pregnancy complications and perinatal outcome of pregnancy among primigravid teenagers and older primigravid women. Method: A comparative study was carried out among 58 primigravid teenagers and equal numbers of adult primigravidae at Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Nigeria over five year period between January 2008 and December, 2012. Their socio-demographic characteristics, booking status, pregnancy complications, estimated gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, post-partum morbidities, neonatal birth weight and perinatal mortalities were obtained from their case notes. Results: Deliveries by teenagers accounted for 2.48% of all deliveries during the period under review. Teenage age was significantly associated with unmarried status (P in both groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Pregnancy and deliveries in teenagers are high risk. Therefore, sex education as well as access to reproductive health information and care will help reduce the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies and their lasting impact on teenagers, their families, and the society.