Incidence of Adolescent Pregnancy and Obstetric Outcomes in Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital

Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is still one of the main problems in Thailand, although in other developed countries this problem had been solved or on the decline. In Thailand, we had found that teenagers were becoming to have sexual intercourse in their early years. This may be due to the poor socioeconomic factors. Adolescent pregnancy, as we knew, caused higher morbidity and mortality to both the mothers and fetuses. Aim: To study the incidence of adolescent pregnancy and obstetric outcomes. Patients and Method; Retrospective studies the patients who came to give birth in Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital (MNRH) during January 2002 to December 2004. Results: 24,837 pregnant women had gave birth in MNRH during January 2002 to December 2004. 11.11% of these patients were adolescent pregnancy. The result showed that this group of pregnancies had the higher incidence of anemia during pregnancy, preterm labor, preeclampsia, low birthweight and birth asphyxia significantly when compared to those older than 20 years of age. This study also showed a higher incidence of anemia, preterm labor, preeclampsia, low birthweight and birth asphyxia among pregnancies during 11-14 years of age when compared to 15-17 years and 18-19 years of age significantly. Conclusion: there is still a high incidence of adolescent pregnancy in MNRH during year 2002-2004 (11.11%). Adolescent pregnancy will likely increase the obstetric complications and will cause higher morbidity and mortality to both mothers and fetuses.