Abstract
Teenage pregnancy is considered a high-risk situation that increases the likelihood
of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes, such as those associated with low birth weight,
anemia, hypertensive disorder in pregnancy and preterm delivery. The trend in teenage
pregnancy has increased. To effectively solve the problem of teenage pregnancy, currently
a global and nationwide problem (including in Wiangsa district as well), it is necessary
to study the real causes and results before implementing local, specific strategies.
The purposes of this study were to study the epidemiology of teenage pregnancy in
Wiangsa district and to compare the pregnancy outcome of teenage pregnancy with adult
pregnancy in Wiangsa Hospital. The research design for comparing the pregnancy outcome
was a retrospective cross-sectional study; that used for studying the epidemiology
was a descriptive study.
The study and the control groups (teenage and adult mothers respectively) each
consisting of 146 singleton primigravida females aged <20 and 20-29 years, respectively,
who were Wiangsa district citizens and who delivered at Wiangsa hospital between October
1, 2004 and September 30, 2007. The data were extracted from medical records and
analyzed for pregnancy outcomes. Then 43 teenage mothers who were still available in
the province were studied for epidemiology and interviewed in-depth (under informed
consent) to determine the factors causing them to become pregnant.
Results: In the study group 39.04 percent were 13-17 years of age. Antepartum period:
the study group had a significantly higher average gestational age at the first antenatal
care visit, a lower average number of antenatal visits, a lower average weight gain,
a higher rate of those who received inadequate antenatal care (<4 times), those who were
unsure about their last menstrual period, those who developed anemia and premature
membrane rupture. Intrapartum period: the study group had a significantly higher rate
of inadequate pelvis measarements (crudely evaluated by nurses during admission), caesarean
section, especially when indicated by cephalopelvic disproportion. Postpartum
period: the study group had a significantly higher rate of urinary tract infections. There
was no increase in significant complications commonly found in other studies, especially
preterm labor, and low birth weight. Epidemiology: the trend in the teenage pregnancy
rate in Wiangsa district increased, especially in younger teens. Weaker families and
society seem to be the major root causes of this problem.
Conclusions: Teenage pregnancy in Wiangsa district had poor outcomes, especially
antepartum and intrapartum. The trend of this situation is getting worse, mainly because
of weaker family and socialties.
