Adolescent pregnancy and its consequences

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the incidence, complications and follow-up of adolescent pregnancies. Methods The medical records of two university departments of obstetrics and gynecology, were evaluated for the period 1985-1998. Results From a total of 71 680 births, 5398 (7.53%) occurred in adolescent mothers, aged 14-19 years old. Among the teenage pregnancies, 34% resulted in birth, 5700 in abortions and 9% in miscarriage. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks and 3 days and the mean birth weight was 2880 g. The mode of delivery was normal in 84% of cases, while 9.6% were delivered by Cesarean section and 6.4% by forceps delivery (mainly vacuum extraction). Seventy-eight per cent of cases were primagravidas. Toxemia and anemia were seen in 1.2% and 0.23% of the cases, respectively. Premature separation of the placenta and placenta previa were seen in 1.08% and 1.29% of cases, respectively. Ectopic pregnancies were not seen. Conclusion Although the teenage birth rate has decreased from 9.0% in 1985 to 5.6% in 1998, adolescent pregnancy still remains a medical and social problem. Most cases arc unwanted pregnancies. The cases that have decided to proceed with the pregnancy have presented an insignificant number of complications as assessed by adequate medical follow-up. It appears that formal sex education programs may increase knowledge about reproductive health and improve the use of methods to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.