Can adolescence affect maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes?

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the different complications between pregnant teens in Armed Forces Hospitals Southern Region, Saudi Arabia when compared to adult ones. Methods: This retrospective case control study conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Armed Forces Hospitals Southern Region, Saudi Arabia from 1st of February 2015 to 31st of July 2017. It included pregnant teens (13 to 19 completed years at the time of delivery) and older mothers (aged 20 to 29 years old). The studied outcomes of the study included different pregnancy complications involving both mothers and neonates. Results: adverse pregnancy outcomes were significantly (p=0.0001) higher among the teen mothers. They experienced a statistically more (p=0.005) uneventful normal vaginal deliveries. On the other hand, older mothers showed a higher elective cesarean section delivery (CD) rate as well as instrumental delivery (p=0.0001, p=0.002; respectively). Regarding neonatal outcomes, younger mothers had a statistically significant lower neonatal birth weight and Apgar scores when compared with the adult ones. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy carried clearly the risk for developing a full spectrum of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes throughout pregnancy and labor.