Comparison of infants of adolescent and advanced age mothers in spontaneous vaginal deliveries occured between 2003 and 2013

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to compare obstetric results of pregnancies in adolescents and advanced age mothers, which is a significant Mother-Child health problem in developing countries. Methods: This retrospective study included mothers and infants, over a 10-year period, with babies born at full-term by spontaneous vaginal birth to adolescent mothers who were 18 years and younger, and to mothers who were 40 years and older. Both groups were investigated for abnormalities, gender, height, weight, head circumference and birth weight of newborns. Results: Over the 10-year period from 1 March 2003 to 31 March 2013, there were a total of 29981 normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries. 818 pregnant women aged 18 years and younger(2.73%) and 972 pregnant women aged 40 years and older(3.23%) were determined. When the abnormalities and stillbirth rates of newborns are examined, there was no statistically significant difference identified between the two groups. There was statistically significant difference found between height-birth weight-head circumference of infants of advanced age mothers and adolescent mothers. In both groups when the SGA( 4000 g) infants are compared, SGA infants were observed to be significantly higher for adolescent mothers, while LGA infants were found to be significantly higher for advanced age mothers. When the correlation between mothers age and birth weight was investigated, it was observed that infants of advanced age mothers were heavier, while infants born to adolescent mothers had lower birth weights. Conclusion: This study showed that adolescent and advanced age pregnancies form high risk groups. In both groups to improve pregnancy results, social support, education and regular monitoring should be provided.