Pregnancy and childbirth in adolescents compared to women aged 20–24 years in Slovenia

What is it about?

Adolescent pregnancy was associated with increased rates of unknown estimated date of delivery, preterm labour, low birth weight newborns, small for gestational age newborns and low gestational weight gain. Spontaneous labour was more common in adolescents, while emergency and elective Caesarean sections were less common than in women aged 20–24 years. In addition, pregnancy in adolescents aged ≤17 years was associated with increased rate of maternal anaemia and labour without complications. Higher rates of smoking, lower rates of parenting school attendance, lower rates of pregnancy check-ups and screening tests in pregnancy such as nuchal translucency in adolescents were found.

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Why is it important?

The results of our study confirmed that adolescent pregnancy is related to higher health risks for pregnant adolescents and their newborns. Poor prenatal care of adolescents could be improved with better health education and counselling of adolescents in reproductive health (e.g. reproductive cycle, contraception, nutrition, smoking…), in addition to more frequent and intense health and social service given to pregnant adolescents.

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