Estimating risk factors and causes for postpartum febrile morbidity in teenage mothers

In this cohort study, our objective was to identify potentially modifiable risk factors and causes for febrile morbidity in teenage mothers. We identified all cases of febrile morbidity using the United States Joint Commission on Maternal Welfare definition in a cohort of teenage deliveries over a 4-year period at one institution. Of the 730 included teenage deliveries, 49 (7%) women suffered postpartum febrile morbidity. Higher maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI: 34.0 +/- 8.6 vs 30.3 +/- 6.0 kg/m(2), p = 0.0001), caesarean delivery (RR 21.3, 95% CU 8.9-54.9) and postpartum haemorrhage (RR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1-6.7) were associated with postpartum febrile morbidity. Risk factors for febrile morbidity in the teenage parturient include obesity, caesarean delivery and postpartum haemorrhage. Considering the increasing rates of teenage obesity and overall caesarean delivery rates, attention must be focused on these modifiable risk factors to avoid this complication during a tenuous time for the teenage parent.