Obstetric outcome of the unwed adolescents

Two hundred and fifty-six unmarried primipara were analysed retrospectively over a five year period in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Toa Payoh Hospital. Thirteen were omitted because of insufficient data. The patients were subdivided into an adolescent group, and those more than 18 years of age at time of booking. Maternal complications and neonatal outcome were compared between the two groups of patients. The mode of delivery, in particular the Cesarean section rate, were also compared. Cross comparison was also made among the various ethnic groups in the two categories of patients. Conclusions drawn from these data did not indicate that the adolescent unwed mothers were at higher risk than older women of similar marital status.