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  • Title: Teenage pregnancy: a reconsideration.
    Author: Jacono JJ, Jacono BJ, St Onge M, Van Oosten S, Meininger E.
    Journal: Can J Public Health; 1992; 83(3):196-9. PubMed ID: 1525744.
    Abstract:
    Teenage pregnancies may be diminishing, but the same cannot be said about the risks for abnormal pregnancy and pregnancy outcome in this group. This study sought to examine rates (by mother's age at time of birth) for a number of variables indicative of pregnancy and birth problems. Specifically, the charts of 1,681 babies, born at a regional mid-northern Ontario Labour and Delivery Unit between 1987 and 1988, were examined. Results suggest that this group of teenaged mothers continue to demonstrate a higher rate of substance, tobacco and dietary abuse during pregnancy than older aged mothers. Further, more babies born to these particular teenaged mothers received low APGAR scores, 5 minutes after birth, than babies born to other aged mothers. The same group (teenaged mothers) gave birth to pre-term babies more often, and had a higher rate of congenital abnormality than did other aged mothers. Despite the declining incidence of teen pregnancy, attention should not be diverted from the comparatively greater risk of problem pregnancies and births among the young. Drawing from charts of 1681 babies born at a regional hospital in Ontario, Canada, over the period 1987-88, this study explores the differential risks of abnormal pregnancy and pregnancy outcome among mothers aged 15-19, 20-34, and those 35 years and older. Factors considered include the presence of a congenital abnormality in babies, gestation duration, birth weight, baby's APGAR score, maternal history of substance or dietary abuse, maternal history of patent or prescribed medication use, and maternal history of medical or surgical problems during pregnancy, parity, and gravidity. Teen mothers demonstrated higher rates of substance, tobacco, and dietary abuse during pregnancy than older mothers. Likewise, babies born to teens received comparatively lower APGAR scores 5 minutes after birth, were more likely to be preterm, and had a higher rate of congenital abnormality.
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