Can Adolescent Pregnancy Be Associated with Adverse Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes?

Background: This study aimed to evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes in adolescent pregnan-cies. Materials and Methods: Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years and their newborns, who delivered at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Mardin Education and Research Hospital between 2022 and 2024, were included in the study. Data were retrospectively analyzed from patient files and the hospital database. Outcomes were grouped as maternal and neonatal complications. Results: Neonatal and maternal complication rates were significantly higher in the adolescent group compared to the adult group. Adolescents experienced increased rates of anemia, eclampsia, and preeclampsia. Neonatal complications, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and tran-sient tachypnea of the newborn, were also more common in the adolescent group. The 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores of infants born to adolescents were significantly lower. Conclusions: This study confirms that adolescent pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Anemia and hypertensive disorders are more commonly observed during pregnancy, especially in adolescents. Their newborns are more likely to have low Apgar scores, intrauterine growth restriction, and transient tachypnea of the newborn. These find-ings underscore the importance of prioritizing public health interventions aimed at reducing ado-lescent pregnancy rates and providing comprehensive support to young mothers and their infants.