Teenage Pregnancy and Adverse Birth Outcomes at Ratchaburi Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether teenage pregnancy is associated with increased adverse birth outcomes at Ratchaburi Hospital.

Material and method: This is a retrospective study. The data were collected from patient delivery records and inpatient files during 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015. There were 2,733 pregnant women, with totally 2,748 of live birth which 422 of teenage pregnant women. The demographic data, obstetric and neonatal complications were compared between teenage and adult pregnant women.

Result: The incidence of teenage pregnancy was 15.44% of all pregnancies. The most of teenage pregnancies were nulliparous 79.7% and housewife 61.61%. The teenage pregnancies received complete ANC 34.93% and the deliveries were normal vaginal route 50.95%. The adverse birth outcomes had statistical significance in oligohydramnios and thick meconium (2.60% vs 1.17%; p=0.022), preterm labour and low birth weight (8.20% vs 4.35%; p=0.001) and (18.27% vs 9.22%; p <.001) respectively, were found in teenage pregnancies more than in adult pregnancies.

Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Inadequate prenatal care during pregnancy is associated with complication.