Type of publication:
Conference abstract
Author(s):
*Ritchie J., *Moores K., *Oates S.
Citation:
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, November 2014, vol./is. 121/(19-20), 1470-0328 (November 2014)
Abstract:
Introduction: The UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy across Western Europe however; the rate has been reducing, and is currently at its lowest since 1969. Perceptions exist of worse outcomes in teenage pregnancies among healthcare professionals and the public alike. We aim to determine outcomes of teenage pregnancy (2013- 2014) and compare rates of teenage pregnancy (2008-2013) and at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals (SaTH) NHS Trust and compare with local population outcomes. Methods: A 12-month retrospective review of teenage pregnancy outcomes and comparison with outcomes of all deliveries at SaTH between April 2013 and March 2014; a total of 4916 deliveries. Data sources included the MEDWAY Hospital Database. Recorded pregnancy outcomes classified into two categories: outcomes in mothers’ aged 19 years or younger at time of delivery and outcomes in all mothers’ in who delivered at SaTH in the study period. Parameters assessed included mode of delivery; blood loss; perineal trauma; birthweight; Apgar scores. Teenage pregnancy rates over the last six years were compared to recorded rates in 1996. Results: The rate of teenage pregnancy has continued to reduce, especially those under 16 years. Over 90% of teenage mothers’ had vaginal delivery; only 3% had elective and 5% had emergency caesarean deliveries. Low rates of instrumental deliveries were seen in each category; however, no failed instrumental deliveries occurred among teenage mothers’. Babies born over 37 weeks of gestation was lower among teenage mothers’ however mean birthweights were similar and mean Apgar scores were the same in both groups. Severe perineal trauma was much lower among teenage mothers’; more than half had no perineal trauma. Furthermore, teenage mothers’ had much lower rates of post-partum haemorrhage. Thus, one may suggest a lower risk of harm to teenage parturients and their babies compared with the general local population.
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