Abstract:
Aim: To compare the delivery methods and maternal and fetal outcomes of adolescent and adult pregnancies.
Material and Methods: This study enrolled 420 pregnant adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years and 940 pregnant women aged
between 20 and 40 years who gave birth in our maternity clinic between January 2010 and December 2014. Their demographic and
clinical data were reviewed.
Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of their birth patterns. The risks for preeclampsia,
intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and placental abruption increased with decreasing maternal age. The adjusted analyses
suggested that adolescent pregnant women were at a significantly increased risk for very preterm birth (adjusted OR = 4.40, [95% CI:
1.90-10.30]) but not late preterm birth (adjusted OR = 0.90, [95% CI: 0.50-1.40])
Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancy is a risk factor for early preterm birth, placental abruption, IUGR, and preeclampsia, with
significant potential clinical implications.
