Maternal weight, height, gestational weight gain and pregnancy outcome in adolescent females

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the effects of maternal weight, height and gestational weight gain on pregnancy outcome in adolescent females, 100 adolescent pregnant mothers below 20 years and 50 adult pregnant mothers 20-25 years, as control group, and their outcome were examined through a longitudinal study carried out in Egypt. Cases were followed up during pregnancy at delivery and till the end of first month of neonatal life. Original formulae were used to estimate pre- pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain. There was a positive relation between adolescent mothers weight, height and gestational weight gain and birth weight of their outcome and to a lesser extent with birth length and head circumference. All measurements of neonates of adolescent mothers were at the 10th percentile but weight was compensated later and reached a good increment after one month. It seems that, the classical neonatal risk factors associated with maternal young age could be minimized later in infancy with postpartum adequate nutrition