Infants of adolescent mothers: the Brazilian experience.

Abstract

In a Brazilian study of 14304 births to adolescent mothers 15-19 years old (98.5%) and those younger than 15 (1.5%) infants were classified according to birth weight: adequate (greater than 3 kg); inadequate (less than or equal to 3 kg); insufficient (2.5-3 kg); and low (less than 2.5 kg). Negative results for low birth weight babies were observed in all neonates less than or equal to 3 kg regardless of maternal age. Average birth weight which was distributed according to socioeconomic level was higher at higher socioeconomic levels. Maternal age was a significant factor for birth weights under 2.5 kg and over 3 kg. Infant weight was higher in direct proportion to higher maternal preconception weight maternal height and maternal weight/height. The same results were found for infant length. Higher birth weight categories were associated with prenatal care. Lower birth weight categories were associated with smoking. In another Brazilian study anthropometry (weight length and head circumference) vitality gestational age and incidence of intrahospital neonate deaths were assessed for infants born from January 1 1991 to December 31 1991 to women of low socioeconomic status attending a Public Maternity Ward in Sao Paulo. 6316 births to 4774 adults (75.6%) and 1542 adolescents (24.4%) were included. 1378 of the adolescents were between 15 and 19 years of age; 164 were under 15. Infant weight distribution (under 2.5 kg and over 3 kg); average infant weight length and head circumference; Apgar scores; and intrahospital neonate deaths were similar in all age groups. Premature births were more prevalent among adolescents.