(113) Teen Pregnancy Outcomes and Repeat Pregnancy Within 2 years of Initial Pregnancy

Background: The Centers for Disease Control ranked Louisiana 3rd in teen birth rates and 4th in infant mortality (2020). Teenage pregnancy adversely impacts the mothers’ mental, physical, and social health, and pregnancy outcomes. This study analyses perinatal sexually transmitted infections (STIs), intrapartum complications, postpartum depression, and weight gain of teen pregnancies in a high health disparity area.

Methods: This retrospective single academic center study of 163 pregnant teens aged 10-17 between 2018-2023 analyzed descriptive data of 152 patients who met study criteria. Analysis included pregnancy outcomes, STD rates, postpartum depression, intrapartum complications, and repeat pregnancy within 2 years.

Results: The mean age was 15.23 years. 125 patients had a completed pregnancy, 12 had a spontaneous abortion, 2 were pregnant during the study, 11 were lost to follow-up, 2 had an elective abortion. 38.8 % had 1 or more STIs during pregnancy. Pregnancy complications included chorioamnionitis (n=4), gestational diabetes (n=1), fetal demise (n=4), hypertension disorders of pregnancy (n=22), fetal growth restriction (n=18), and preterm labor (n=6). 73 adhered to prenatal visits and 69 returned for postpartum visits. Within 2 years of the initial pregnancy, 13.8% had a 2nd pregnancy. Mean pre-pregnancy weight (M=66.1 kg) was similar to six-week (M=67.44) and six-month post-partum weights (M=66.8 kg). 4.6% of postpartum patients had a positive depression screening.

Conclusions: Teen pregnancy rates in our population are higher than national average and recurrence of pregnancy rates are high, in line with low adherence to postpartum visits. STIs and pregnancy complications are prevalent in this vulnerable population.