Obstetric complications in adolescent pregnancies.

Abstract

Teenage and pre-teenage pregnancies in 128 patients less than 16 years of age were studied retrospectively. Obstetric outcome was analysed and compared with that in previous studies. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature labour and anaemia were significant complications in this group. Perinatal mortality was not increased and there was no evidence of an increased obstetric risk in the very young teenager, but earlier booking and better antenatal counselling are necessary.