[Congenital malformations in teenage pregnancy]

This review brings clear evidence of a link between the young maternal age and the higher incidence of complications recorded, both during pregnancy and during labor. It was found that pregnancy in very young age was associated with increased risk of fetal abnormalities affecting the central nervous system, gastrointestinal and muscles-skeletal system. The anomalies of the central nervous system were most commonly found. They were not severe. A higher incidence of birth of babies with neural tube defects or congenital heart diseases was registered. The reasons for the observed anomalies in early pregnancy remain unclear. There is insufficient information about the link between congenital anomalies and use of tobacco or alcohol use by very young mothers. Some correlations were registered between risk factors such as body mass index before pregnancy, the folic acid and other multivitamin needs before and during pregnancy, as well as social factors such as lack of support, isolation from peers and/or family, financial pressures, social attitudes, etc.