Adolescence and risk of preterm birth in multifetal gestations.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate if adolescence confers additional risk for preterm delivery in multifetal gestations.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of all twin and triplet deliveries from 8/2008 to 12/2012 at two Detroit Hospitals. Outcomes in adolescent mothers aged 19 or younger (n = 59) were compared with adult controls aged 20-34 (n = 350).

RESULTS

Mean gestational age at delivery in adolescents was 31.3 (SD: 5.8) weeks versus 34.2 (SD: 4.3) weeks in adults (p < .001). On multivariable analysis, adolescence was associated with preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.3; 95% confidence intervals [95% CI], 1.1-4.7, p = .02) and early-preterm delivery (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI 1.2-4; p = .01). Adjusted rates of preterm and early-preterm delivery were markedly higher in adolescents compared with controls. Being an adolescent was also a significant risk factor for iatrogenic preterm delivery (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI 1.1-5.5; p = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents pregnant with twins or triplets deliver 3 weeks, on average, before adults and are at markedly increased risk of preterm and early-preterm delivery.