Sethi Pruthwiraj¹, Rajya Laxmi M², G Shailaja³, Devi Sujata⁴ Trupti N Bodhare ⁵ Ipsita M¹

¹Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ²Ex-Postgraduate student, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ³Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ⁴Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, ⁵Professor, Department of Community Medicine.
Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Address for correspondence Dr. Sethi Pruthwiraj, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India.

E-mail: drpruthwiraj@gmail.com

Introduction: Teenage pregnancies accounts for 10 to 15 percent of total pregnancies in India. Pregnancy in adolescent age group has shown an increased risk in obstetric and medical complications. Statistics all over the world revealed that maternal mortality is higher in all age groups from 15-19 years. Fetal problems of teenage pregnancies often result in low birth weight, premature babies and all complications associated with it.

Material and Methods: A prospective study of 100 adolescent girls in the age group between 13-19 years attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar was conducted during January 2010 to October 2011. The study comprised of ante-natal, intra-natal and post-natal period, normal, abnormal consequences and sequelae.

Results: Maximum numbers of respondents (63%) were in the age group of 19 years. Anemia was the most common complication noticed in 20%, followed by pre-eclampsia was seen in 11%. Preterm labour was the most common complication seen in 32%. Normal vaginal delivery was the most common mode of delivery seen in 65% and infected episiotomy was the most common complication seen in 5% of the respondents. Stillbirths and neonatal deaths were seen among 5 each. Neonatal morbidity was observed in 21 babies among whom the respiratory distress syndrome was the most common.

Conclusion : Adolescent pregnant women are two times more prone to complications during pregnancy and delivery compared to the women in their twenties. The main factors influencing the complications are psychological and biological immaturity, low socioeconomic status, poor antenatal care. The adolescent pregnant women must be given due care in the hospital, advised to undergo regular antenatal checkups and adequate diet.

Key words: Teenage pregnancy, Maternal complications