# Evaluation of obstetric outcomes in adolescent pregnancies according to age groups

## TL;DR

This study examines how age affects pregnancy outcomes in adolescents and finds that younger teens and immigrants face higher risks.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the impact of age and immigration status on adolescent pregnancy outcomes.

## Key findings

- Adolescents aged 14–15 showed significantly higher declines in hemoglobin levels during pregnancy.
- The proportion of immigrants was much higher in the adolescent group compared to adults.
- Adolescent pregnancies are associated with lower gestational age, neonatal weight, and hemoglobin levels compared to adults.

## Abstract

The aim of the present study was to gain insight into how age may influence the outcomes of adolescent pregnancies and to gain a better understanding of the proportion of immigrants in adolescent pregnancies.

This retrospective study was conducted in a perinatology clinic between 2021 and 2024. The patients were divided into two categories such as adolescents and adults. The adolescent cohort was then divided into two subgroups according to age. Demographic characteristics, pregnancy follow-up, and postnatal outcomes were reported and compared between groups.

A total of 123 adolescent pregnancies compared with 123 adult pregnancies. There were 27 patients in the 14–15 age group and 96 patients in the 16–17 age group. The adult group exhibited significantly higher age (p<0.01), gravidity (p<0.01), parity (p<0.01), gestational age at birth (p<0.01), neonatal weight (p<0.01), and both antepartum (p=0.017) and postpartum (p<0.01) hemoglobin values compared to the adolescent group. The decline in hemoglobin levels in the peripartum period was significantly higher in the 14–15 age group (p<0.01). A significant difference was observed between adolescent and adult pregnant groups in terms of early pregnancy follow-up. The proportion of immigrants was much higher in the adolescent group at 49.6% and in the adult group at 4.8% (p<0.01).

Adolescent pregnancies represent a significant public health concern. The risks in this regard are amplified with a reduction in the age of the patient. The prevalence of adolescent pregnancies among refugees appears to be a matter of significant concern.