Outcome of Teenage Pregnancies in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Context: - Adolescent pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy associated with complications arising from adverse physiological, anatomical and soco-economic factors. Objectives:- To determine the pattern and obstetric outcome of adolescent pregnancies. Study Design, Setting And Subjects.:- A retrospective analysis of teenage pregnancies at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria was carried over a 5 years period, 1997 to 2001. A total of 180 teenage Pregnancies were analyzed and compared with 170 controls. Main Outcome Measures:- Pregnancy complications in teenagers compared with controls. Results: There were statistically significant differences between adolescent mothers and mature mothers in the rate of unemployment (58% vs. 27%, p Conclusions:- Adolescent pregnancy was found to have higher chances of being complicated by anaemia, breech delivery, caesarean section, cephalopelvic disproportion, low birth weight and low apgar score at one minute when compared to adult pregnancy. Improved medical care will reduce the complications apart from measures to prevent adolescent pregnancy such as socio-educational advancement and contraceptive services Key Words: - Teenagers; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome. Trop J Obstet Gynaecol 2004;21:27-31