Gravidez da adolescente em hospital universitário no Espírito Santo, Brasil: Aspectos da gestação, parto e repercussões sobre o recém-nascido

Teen pregnancy in a university hospital in Espírito Santo state, Brazil: Aspects of pregnancy and childbirth with implications for newborns

Abstract

Objective: To describe aspects of pregnancy and childbirth among teens and adult women, comparing repercussions on newborns. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 6,302 medical records of the mothers of live newborns in the maternity wing of the Hospital das Clínicas, Espírito Santo Federal University, between January 2000 and December 2004. The mothers were divided into groups: I (10-14 years old); II (15-19 years old); III (20-34 years old); and IV (≥ 35 years old). Group III was the control for comparisons. Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that less than seven prenatal consultations was the main factor for preterm newborns, with severe and moderate hypoxia at one and five minutes of life, low weight and insufficient weight. Conclusion: Less than seven prenatal consultations was the main factor for preterm newborns, with severe and moderate hypoxia at one and five minutes of life, low weight and insufficient weight. The number of previous children lowers the odds for preterm births, low weight and insufficient weight. The study showed that the age of the adolescent mother was not an important factor for increasing these conditions, nor for congenital malformations. These findings underscore the need for health policies with actions focused on better prenatal care for pregnant women, including more consultations.