Perinatal and Maternal Outcomes in Teenage Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Swat, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52206/jsmc.2026.16.1.1277Abstract
Background: Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where early childbearing is influenced by social, cultural, and economic determinants. Adolescent mothers are at increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, including preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Despite its clinical relevance, local evidence from Pakistan, especially from rural settings, remains limited.
Objective: To determine the frequency of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among teenage pregnancies presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Swat.
Methodology: This descriptive prospective observational study was conducted from 15 November 2021 to 15 May 2022 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat. A total of 139 pregnant adolescents aged 13–19 years were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Maternal and perinatal outcomes, including cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, small for gestational age, and low birth weight, were recorded using standardized clinical definitions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and associations were assessed through stratification and multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results: Cesarean delivery was observed in 44.6% of cases, preeclampsia in 25.2%, preterm delivery in 15.8%, small for gestational age in 18.7%, and low birth weight in 24.5%. Gestational age showed a statistically significant association with preterm delivery (p = 0.001) and small for gestational age (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed gestational age as a significant predictor of preterm delivery and SGA, while maternal age and residential status were not significantly associated with adverse outcomes.
Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is associated with a high burden of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Strengthening targeted antenatal care, early identification of high-risk pregnancies, and focused health education interventions are essential to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Keywords: Cesarean Section, Gestational Age, Infant, Low Birth Weight, Pre-Eclampsia, Premature Birth, Teenage Pregnancy.
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