Intensive care in adolescent pregnancy
Perkins, R.P.; Nakashima, I.I.; Mullin, M.; Dubansky, L.S.; Chin, M.L.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 52(2): 179-188
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 683657 Document Number: 446422
Adolescent pregnancy has long been considered high risk perinatally. It is also a symptom of social disorder. Older studies provided ominous portents of increased risk of toxemia, prematurity, anemia, cephalopelvic disproportion, and perinatal wastage. Studies during the past decade have shown more encouraging data, especially when representing a concerted effort toward this age group. The first 2 years of an intensive and individual approach to gravidas under age 17 are discussed. A total of 135 young women were studied and compared with 100 controls of similar age, treated routinely, and with 100 women of more nearly ideal childbearing age. Perinatal and social data are shown. The implications of the data are discussed in light of other studies. Few, if any, medical differences between the two groups of adolescents and the older women are noted. More important are the social and emotional factors in determining future difficulties.