Objective: To compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancies with adult pregnancies at Somdej Phrachao Taksin Maharat Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Tak Province, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Somdej Phrachao Taksin Maharat Hospital in Tak province. Singleton pregnant women aged 12 to 34 years who delivered between January 2020 and December 2022 were recruited. Data on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, Spearman’s rho correlation, and Pearson chi-square tests.

Results: One thousand four hundred sixty-one pregnant women data was collected and divided into three groups, 20 to 34 years with 1,029 participants, 16 to 19 years with 358 participants, and 12 to 15 years with 74 participants. Pregnant women aged 19 or below had significantly higher rates of complications, such as anemia, preterm birth, and caesarean delivery, compared to those over 19 years (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancies showed more obstetric and neonatal complications. To reduce the problems, enhance sex education, birth control methods for teenagers, and appropriate antenatal care.

Keywords: Adolescent pregnancy; Pregnancy complications; Tak province; Thailand

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2023.11.13914

Received 12 September 2023 | Revised 8 November 2023 | Accepted 10 November 2023