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The low birth-weight infants of Saudi adolescents: maternal implications
M H al-Sibai1, S S Khwaja, S A al-Suleiman
1King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Low birth-weight infants born to adolescent mothers face increased risks. Factors like maternal anemia, small physique, and preterm birth significantly impact outcomes and raise perinatal mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Adolescent pregnancy presents unique challenges in maternal and infant health.
- Low birth-weight (LBW) is a critical indicator of perinatal risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate maternal factors associated with low birth-weight infants in adolescent mothers.
- To compare perinatal outcomes between LBW and normal birth-weight infants born to adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study comparing 46 adolescent mothers of LBW infants (≤2,500 g) with 160 adolescent mothers of normal birth-weight infants (>2,500 g).
- Analysis of maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Significant risk factors for LBW infants included maternal anemia, small maternal physique, and preterm delivery.
- Perinatal mortality rate was significantly higher in the LBW infant group.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent mothers delivering LBW infants are at higher risk due to specific maternal factors.
- Interventions targeting maternal health and preventing preterm birth are crucial for improving outcomes in adolescent pregnancies.
Abstract:
Maternal factors and perinatal outcome of low birth-weight (less than or equal to 2,500 g) infants of 46 adolescent mothers was studied and compared with 160 adolescents who delivered infants weighing greater than 2,500 g. The significant factors found in the low birth-weight group were anaemia, small maternal physique and preterm delivery. Expectedly, the perinatal mortality rate was significantly increased in low birth-weight infants.