Adolescent childbearing in a Brazilian border municipality: the new mother’s profile

Abstract

Abstract Background Adolescent childbearing is considered a public health problem, due to the often associated social impacts. Understanding the phenomenon is necessary to support intervention proposals aimed at reducing its incidence. Methods In this cross-sectional study we investigated all adolescent mothers living in Foz do Iguassu that gave birth in the 2013-2017 period. Data from a governmental database were used and descriptive analysis was performed. Results Between 2013 and 2017, 3,207 adolescent mothers gave birth to a live child, of which 135 aged 10 to 14 years and 3,072 aged 15 to 19 years. 51.3% of the mothers were white, and 22.1% had previous pregnancy experience. 68.4% had a vaginal delivery, and 80.6% had full-term pregnancies. Among the women aged 10 to 14 years, 57.8% started prenatal care in the first trimester and 47.4% had 7 or more prenatal consultations. Among women aged between 15 and 19 years, 73.7% started prenatal care in the first trimester and 53.4% had 7 or more prenatal consultations. Additionally, at least 49% of the adolescents were delayed in school. Conclusions In Foz do Iguassu, adolescent mothers are predominantly white. At least half are delayed in school, and more than 1 in 5 already had previous pregnancy experience. Parturients between 15 and 19 years old start prenatal earlier and attend more prenatal consultations than parturients aged 10 to 14 years. Prematurity is more frequent among adolescents. Key messages Adolescents receive poor prenatal care, especially the younger ones. Adolescent pregnancy is not a synonym to unintended pregnancy, and its relationship should be further investigated.