Adolescent Pregnancy in India! A Matter of Concern

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy is pregnancy by a female, aged 13 to 19 years. Despite decline in birth rate from 98.6 in 2000-2005 to 86.3 in 2005-2010 per 1000 babies born to adolescent girls aged 15-19 years, India topped the chart of 10 countries with the greatest numbers of women aged between 20 and 24 who gave birth before their age was eighteen. Material & Methods: Under the Planning Commission, Government of India, a one-year clinical prospective study was carried out at the district hospitals. The comparison was made between 200 adolescent mothers (15 to 19 years) and 200 adult women to know the different inputs regarding adolescent pregnancy. Observations: The outcome of pregnancy was 15.50%, 21% and 63.50% in adolescent group while 6%, 54.50% and 39.50% in adult group of miscarriage/abortion, normal vaginal delivery and caesarean, respectively. High incidence of low birth weight, neonatal problems and maternal complications were identified in the adolescent age group. Discussion and Conclusion: The high incidence of caesarean section may be due to the maternal age which hinders the way of normal vaginal delivery. High incidence of low birth weight, neonatal deaths and maternal complications in adolescent group also attribute to the maternal age. Maternal complications during delivery were 42% and 17%, incidence of maternal mortality, morbidity and under nutrition 69.60% and 30.30% respectively in adolescent and adult group respectively. As per Sample Registration System (SRS), the Registrar General of India (RGI-SRS), the state of UP is far behind in IMR [57 (2011) 53 (2012)] and MMR [359 (2007-09) 292 (2010-12)]. Our study reflects the high incidence of maternal mortality, morbidity and under nutrition (69.60%) and maternal mental health problems (63.80%) in adolescent group which shadows the MMR targets for MDG-5. Apart from blocking the road of MDG-4, the adolescent pregnancies also stop the development of female children who have the right to avail all the facilities and opportunities offered by the nature and society.