Teenage Maternity: A Study from Seven City Hospitals in Taipei

SummaryObjectiveTo assess adolescent pregnancy for demographic characteristics, obstetric morbidity, and birth outcome in Taipei City Hospitals.Materials and MethodsRegistry data for 9,630 singleton births at 20 weeks or more of gestation at seven city hospitals in Taipei between January 2002 and June 2003 were studied. Mothers were divided into three groups by age: under 20 (n = 133 births; 1.4%); 20-34 (n = 8,035; 83.4%), and over 34 (n = 1,462; 15.2%). The overall registration rate was about 95%. Data were analyzed by Chi-squared, logistic regression, and ANOVA tests.ResultsEducation attainment in the teenage group was lower and the proportion who were single, had first parity, sought prenatal care after first trimester, and smoked were significantly higher. Obstetric complications were more common in this group in terms of antenatal anemia and precipitate labor, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 2.2 (1.2-4.0) and 3.0 (1.5-6.2), but not in the frequency of prolonged labor, postpartum hemorrhage, abruptio placenta, or hypertensive disorder. However, rates were higher for stillbirth (adjusted OR, 2.8; 1.0-8.2) and small for gestational age (crude OR, 1.9; 1.2-3.2), resulting in the lowest mean birth weight of infants. No significant differences were demonstrated in frequency of prematurity, Apgar score, congenital anomalies, intensive care unit admission, or neonatal death.ConclusionTeenage maternity is associated with general characteristics of social disadvantage and suboptimal outcome. We recommend education classes, focusing on the nutritional aspects of anemia correction, smoking cessation, and adequate preparation for birth. In addition, an integrated program is required, with social workers recruited to enhance family support