Pregnancy course and birth outcomes in young women

Aim. To study the features of pregnancy and birth outcomes in young women. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed birth histories of 400 women admitted to Regional Perinatal Center of Belyaev Kemerovo Regional Clinical Hospital during 2015-2018. All patients were stratified according to their age (< 18 years and 20-25 years of age, n = 200 per group). Results. Pregnant women < 18 years of age had earlier menarche and sexual intercourse as well as less frequent use of contraceptives as compared with those 20-25 years of age; the proportion of married pregnant women was 13.0% and 86.0% in the former and latter group, respectively. The vast majority (96.0%) of women < 18 years of age were primiparous, in comparison with 64.0% in those aged 20-25. First visit to the prenatal care center was registered at 23 and 7 weeks in younger and older age group, respectively. The prevalence of extragenital pathology in patients < 18 years of age was 9.0%. No significant differences in pregnancy complications (gestational hypertension or preeclampsia) and placental insufficiency were found. Most of the patients in both groups had full-term labor, yet premature births and caesarean section were significantly more common in those < 18 years of age. There were no significant differences in weight, height, and Apgar scores among the newborns in regards to maternal age. Conclusion. Despite pregnant adolescents are characterised by an earlier menarche, sexual intercourse, less frequent use of contraceptives and higher need in assisted delivery in comparison with parturient women of 20-25 years; however, age does not impact pregnancy course and birth outcomes.