Maternal and perinatal outcomes in adolescent pregnancies: A retrospective study

Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood, characterized by both psychological and physiological maturation. Each year, approximately 16 million adolescent girls (aged 15-19 years) give birth worldwide. Adolescent pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications due to physical and psychological immaturity. Compared to adult pregnancies, adolescent pregnancies have been linked to higher rates of low birth weight, preterm birth, early neonatal mortality, fetal asphyxia, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. However, while many studies support these associations, some findings suggest no significant difference. The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of adolescent pregnancies managed at a tertiary healthcare facility in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye.

This retrospective case-control study evaluated 2,513 adolescent pregnancies (aged 15-19 years) managed at two tertiary healthcare centers. Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared between adolescent and adult pregnancies.

Adolescent pregnancies were associated with higher rates of maternal and fetal complications, including threatened abortion, preeclampsia, hyperemesis gravidarum, low birth weight, low Apgar scores at 5 min, and increased neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. However, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery, third-trimester bleeding, or other adverse obstetric outcomes compared to adult pregnancies.

Adolescent pregnancy remains a global public health concern, contributing to increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Implementing effective health policies to prevent adolescent pregnancies and improve access to prenatal care is crucial to mitigating associated risks.