Adolescent pregnancy and associated risks: not just a result of maternal age.

摘要

Adolescent pregnancy (i.e., in females 13 to 19 years of age) is associated with an increased risk of maternal complications during pregnancy and delivery, as well as increased risk to the fetus and neonate. Complications associated with adolescent pregnancy include preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality. However, age-related biologic factors alone are not associated with an increased risk of fetal death. In infants of teenage mothers, much of the risk of low birth weight is related to behavioral and psychosocial factors. Thus, psychosocial risk factors should be a major focus of care.