Preterm birth and reduced birthweight in first and second teenage pregnancies: a register-based cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundHigher risks of preterm birth and small for gestational age babies have been reported in teenagers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between first and second teenage pregnancies and preterm birth, birthweight and small for gestational age (SGA).MethodsAll women aged 14 to 29 yrs who gave birth to live singletons in the North Western Region of England between January 1st 2004 and December 31st 2006 were identified. Women were classified in three groups; 14-17 yrs, 18-19 yrs and 20-29 yrs (reference group). The outcome measures were preterm birth, very preterm birth, birthweight, SGA (< 5th percentile), very SGA (VSGA< 3rd percentile). We compared these outcome measures in teenagers' first and second pregnancies with those of mothers aged 20 to 29 yrs.ResultsThe risk of preterm birth was increased in first (OR = 1.21, [95% CI: 1.01-1.45]) and second (OR = 1.93, [95% CI: 1.38-2.69]) time mothers aged 14-17 yrs compared to the reference group. Birthweight was reduced in the first (mean difference = -24 g; [95% CI: -40, -7]) and second (mean difference = -80 g; [95% CI: -115, -46]) time mothers aged 14-17 yrs compared to the reference group. There was some evidence of a protective effect against VSGA in 14-17 yr old first time mothers (OR = 0.79, [95% CI: 0.63-0.99]).ConclusionsTeenage mothers are at increased risk of preterm birth compared to adult mothers and this risk is further increased in second time teen pregnancies. This study highlights the importance of ensuring pregnant teenagers have appropriate antenatal care. A first pregnancy may be the first and only time a pregnant teenager interacts with health services and this opportunity for health education and the promotion of contraception should not be overlooked.

Interpregnancy interval and the risk of preterm birth: a case-control study of infants born at Al-sadaqa general teaching hospital, Aden, Yemen

“…However, numerous studies from developed as well as developing countries have consistently reported that teenage pregnancy were at increased risk for preterm birth, Yemen, like other developing countries, most women begin their childbearing life early during adolescence, before reaching their full biologic and social maturity. [24][25][26] Antenatal care plays an important role in the women's reproductive health, primarily through caring for pregnant women and monitoring pregnancy course facilitating early detection of obstetric complications. It is also addressing other reproductive health needs, such as family planning and provides contraceptive aids.…”

Trajetórias Relacionais e Reprodutivas Conducentes à Gravidez na Adolescência: a Realidade Nacional e Regional Portuguesa

“…[1][2][3] No entanto, muitas vezes como resultado das desfavoráveis condições socioeconómicas em que ocorre, 4,5 a gravidez na adolescência tem sido associada a um maior risco de parto pré-termo, [6][7][8][9] nascimento de bebés de baixo peso 6,7,9 e depressão materna. 10 Acresce que, nas últimas décadas, mudanças sociais contribuíram para uma visão da gravidez na adolescência como cada vez mais inoportuna e indesejável, colocando crescentes desafios no âmbito do planeamento familiar com adolescentes em diversos países desenvolvidos.…”

Depressive Symptoms and Violence Exposure: Contributors to Repeat Pregnancies Among Adolescents

“…Relationship violence during the adolescent years can contribute to pervasive family violence; economic dependence; and poor infant outcomes, such as preterm and low birth weight infants (Glass et al, 2003;Herrman, 2009;Miller et al, 2007;Silverman, Raj, & Clements, 2004). For adolescents experiencing a second pregnancy, preterm birth rates increase (Khashan, Baker, & Kenny, 2010).…”