Project Description

Author: Biswas et al.

Summary:

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy is common in lower and middle income countries. These women are highly vulnerable to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The objective of the present study was to identify the maternal and neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancy among Bangladeshi girls.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka from January to June 2019 among 100 adolescent pregnant women (aged between 15 and 19 years) and similar number of non-adolescent pregnant women . Data were collected by face-to-face interview and relevant clinical examination.

The mean (SD) age of the adolescent pregnant women was 18 (0.9) years and majority of them were from low income families. The nutritional status (BMI and MUAC) of the adolescent mothers was comparatively lower than the non-adolescent women (average BMI 23.2 kg/m2 vs 25.3 kg/m2, average MUAC 23.6cm vs 24.2 cm). Maternal pregnancy related complications like hyperemesis gravidae, antepartum hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, pre-mature rupture of membrane, pre-term labor, obstructed labor, hand or cord prolapse occurred more commonly among adolescent mothers. Neonatal adverse outcomes like still birth and low birth weight were more prevalent in this group.

Conclusion: Pregnancy at adolescent age increases the vulnerability to maternal and neonatal complications. An appropriate action plan should be adopted to prevent the early age pregnancy.

Status: Ongoing

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