Risk-profiles and outcomes of multi-foetal pregnancies in adolescent mothers

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2016 Nov;36(8):1056-1060. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2016.1196477. Epub 2016 Sep 13.

Abstract

In this retrospective review of 468 mothers with a multi-foetal pregnancy in Detroit, we describe the risk-profiles and the obstetrical, maternal and foetal outcomes of multi-foetal pregnancy in 59 (13%) adolescents. Overall, most mothers were African American, did not have private insurance and all were unmarried. For most mothers, this was their first pregnancy (59.3%) and their first delivery (69.5%). Almost 50% presented to triage at least once during their pregnancy. Anaemia (78%) and hypertensive disorders (18.6%) were common in this age group. The majority of adolescents delivered preterm as 81.4% were <37 weeks and 49% were <34 weeks. Furthermore, the majority of infants (79%) had low birth weights (median: 1975 g, range: 365-3405 g). This contemporary report emphasises the need for multidisciplinary prenatal management and specialist supervision, as multi-foetal pregnancies in adolescents pose real risks and impact obstetrical, maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: Adolescents; outcomes; twin pregnancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Michigan
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy, Multiple / statistics & numerical data*
  • Premature Birth / epidemiology
  • Premature Birth / etiology
  • Prenatal Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors