Study on the role of socio-demographic factors affecting teenage pregnancy and its feto-maternal outcomes

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy during 11 to 19 yrs period is called teenage pregnancy. It is one the most important public health problem all over the world with varying prevalence. It is associated with high maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The complications are anemia, preterm delivery ,hydramnios ,malposition, preeclampsia, eclampsia, PPROM,multiple pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of teenage pregnancy was carried out at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, Chennai during the period july 2014 - july 2015. Pregnant women admitted in labour ward were taken for study. 200 cases of teenage women upto 19 yrs were compared with 200 cases of 20 - 29 yr old pregnant women. Cases were selected randomly and randomisation was attained by selecting same number of controls as number of index cases randomly who delivered on that day. A structured proforma was used to collect information. The cases were followed till they got discharged. Information regarding age, educational status, occupation, socioeconomic status,number of siblings in the family, marital status, age at marriage, health awareness, knowledge about pregnancy and delivery, antenatal visits were obtained from history. Basic checkup like Height and Weight of the patient,BMI, Haemoglobin and B.P checkup were done. Complications during antenatal period, delivery and postpartum were observed.. Details regarding mode of delivery and birth weight of the baby were noted. Baby details noted and babies admitted in neonatal ward were followed up till they were discharged. Patients and their babies were followed up at O.P. one month later and any untoward events in the intervening period noted down. RESULTS: The incidence of teenage pregnancy was 9.6%.2/3 of pregnant teenagers were 19 yr olds. Mean Hb in study group was 9.58%. Incidence of severe PIH was 3.66 %. All complications occurring postpartum such as local sepsis, mastitis and UTI were increased in teenage group. There was not much difference in the mode of delivery between the 2 groups. About 38.50% of babies born to mothers in the study group were low birth weight (