[Neonatal and maternal morbidity among adolescent and adult women. A comparative study].

OBJECTIVE

To identify neonatal and maternal morbidity among adolescent and adult women.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We used a cross sectional study design. Recorded data from newborn infants: gestational age, birth weight, sex, route of delivery, Apgar score, Silverman score and morbidity; and mothers' data reviewed: age, marital status, scholarship, occupation, monthly income, drug abuse history, number of pregnancies, abortion, deliveries, cesarean section, prenatal follow up and complications during the pregnancy.

RESULTS

One hundred newborn infants were studied in each group. Complications during pregnancy were present among 26% of adult women and 10% of adolescents (p = 0.04). Gestational age and birth-weight were similar in both groups. Birth by cesarean section was more frequent among the offspring of adult women (65% vs. 48%, p = 0.015). Perinatal asphyxia and birth trauma were observed more often in children from adolescent mothers (p < 0.05). Mortality rate was 5% and 1% among the offspring of adolescent and adult women, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity in pregnancy was more frequent in adult women. The offspring of adolescent women had a higher incidence of perinatal complications like asphyxia and birth trauma. Mortality rate was higher in children from adolescent mothers.