Obstetric outcomes in nulliparous young adolescents.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine whether pregnant young adolescents under 15 years of age developed more obstetric complications than adult women. A retrospective case control study was undertaken. The pregnancies of 121 nulliparous women under age 15 delivered at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University between January 1994 and December 2004 were compared to 121 nulliparous controls age 20-29. Multiple gestations were excluded. Young adolescents were more likely to develop anemia, preterm delivery, preeclampsia and deliver low birth weight neonates. More cases in the young adolescent group did not have antenatal care. Cephalopelvic disproportion occurred less often in the young adolescent group. No differences were observed between the groups regarding the prevalence of premature rupture of membranes, cesarean section, low Apgar score and fetal demise. Adolescents under 15 years of age experienced more obstetric complications than adult women. Development of appropriate education, pregnancy prevention and antenatal care programs is invaluable for adolescents. These programs should target young adolescents who are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.