The Prevalence of Preterm Delivery and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Healthy Singleton Teenage Pregnancies at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of preterm delivery and adverse pregnancy outcomes in healthy singleton teenage pregnancies.
Materials and Methods: Over 5-year period from January 2013 to June 2018, the prevalence of preterm delivery in teenage women aged 10-19 years who had delivered at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital was estimated. Data were retrieved from medical records, including obstetric data and neonatal outcomes. Other outcomes were compared between two subgroups, among 46 women aged 10-14 years (young adolescents) in the study group, and 224 women aged 15-19 years (adolescents) in control group, to determine adverse pregnancy outcomes and associated factors.
Results: The prevalence of preterm delivery among teenage pregnancies was 14.94 % and this was significantly higher in study group compared with control group (32.6% vs 13.8%, p = 0.002). Mean gestational age (GA) at first visit in the study group was more advanced than control group (25.7 ± 6.9 vs 18.4 ± 6.4 weeks, p < 0.001). A total number of antenatal visits was fewer in young adolescents (5.2 ± 3 vs 8 ± 3 times, p < 0.001) and these women had lower baseline hemoglobin levels compare to control group (10.92 ± 0.94 vs 11.31 ± 1.28 mg/dl, p = 0.035). Young adolescents had lower mean GA at delivery (37.6 ± 2.3 vs 38.4 ± 2.4 weeks, p = 0.041) and higher incidence of low birth weight newborns than control group (30.4% vs 16.1%, p = 0.032), but no difference in route of delivery.
Conclusion: The prevalence of preterm delivery among teenage pregnancies was 14.94% and significantly higher in young adolescents. These women had lower baseline hemoglobin level, mean GA at delivery and higher incidence of low birth weight newborns than control group.