Teenage pregnancy and delivery

The outcome of pregnancy and delivery was studied in 122 teenagers (under 18 years) and matched controls. There were no differences in complications during pregnancy, delivery method or outcome of pregnancy as measured by perinatal mortality and morbidity. Anemia post partum existed more often in the teenage group, and teenager's newborns were also lighter than those of the controls. This may be due to premature deliveries, which were more common in the teenage group. Premature deliveries were more common in patients who did not visit health centres or maternity outpatient clinics. The main problem is how to attach such teenagers to organized maternity care.