Young Birthing Age and Delivery and Neonatal Outcomes [ID: 1356517

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to examine differences in obstetric delivery and neonatal outcomes between young birthing patients (age 18 years or younger) and a standard risk birthing population (age 25–30 years). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients delivering between 2012 and 2017 in a single urban academic health system. Outcomes were examined for a young birthing cohort (n=528) and compared with a standard risk cohort age 25–30 years (n=937). This study was identified as exempt by the local IRB. RESULTS: When examining delivery outcomes, young birthing age was associated with a lower risk of cesarean section, even after adjusting for a history of prior cesarean section (13.4% versus 30.7%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.41), and a lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage (8.5% versus 12.85, aOR 0.48), all with P<.05. However, young age was also associated with an increased risk of delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation (15.2% versus 9.5%, OR 1.96). When examining neonatal outcomes, young birthing age was associated with a lower rate of congenital anomalies at birth (6.6% versus 14.4%, aOR 0.42). After adjusting for covariates, there was no difference in low birth weight or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. CONCLUSION: Young birthing patients have delivery outcomes that vary from those of a standard birthing cohort, with a lower risk of cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage but an increased risk of preterm birth. In addition, younger birthing patients have a lower risk of anomalies identified at birth but no increased risk of lower birth weight or NICU admission. These data may help tailor birthing programs for younger patients to better address their specific delivery risks.