A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FETO-MATERNAL OUTCOME IN TEENAGE PREGNANCY VERSUS ADULT PREGNANCY

Background: Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries, and is often linked to higher risks of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to assess the association between teenage pregnancy and fetomaternal morbidity and mortality, compared with adult primigravida pregnancies. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022 in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. A total of 300 primigravida women fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into two groups: Group A – teenage mothers (10–19 years, n=150) and Group B – adult mothers (20–35 years, n=150). Socio-demographic variables, antepartum complications, delivery details, postpartum complications, and neonatal outcomes were recorded and analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Teenage mothers showed significantly higher rates of anaemia (72% vs 56.6%, p=0.005), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (28.7% vs 18.7%, p=0.041), preterm deliveries (32% vs 18.7%, p=0.028), and genital tract injuries (16.7% vs 8.7%, p=0.037) compared with adults. Neonatal complications were also significantly more frequent in teenage pregnancies, including low birth weight (26.3% vs 11.6%, p=0.001), perinatal asphyxia (20% vs 9.5%, p=0.011), neonatal jaundice (17.2% vs 8.8%, p=0.032), and higher SNCU admissions (40% vs 25.2%, p=0.006). Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is associated with higher maternal and neonatal morbidity compared to adult primigravida pregnancies. Considering it as a high-risk condition, targeted antenatal surveillance, health education, and promotion of contraceptive use are essential to improve outcomes.