Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth demonstrate this association and call for better health education and the promotion of contraception after a teenager has given birth for the first time. The journal is published today, Friday, July 9th, 2010.

Dr Ali Khashan, from University College Cork, worked with a team of researchers to study all 14-29 year-old women who had a live baby in the North West of England between January 2004 and December 2006. The researchers identified 3,636 people who were between 14 and 17 at the time of birth, 7,506 who were aged between 18 and 19, and 45,211 who were 20 to 29. The rates of teenage pregnancy increased with increasing social deprivation such that more than one third of the teenage mothers came from the most socially deprived areas. Teenage mothers were more likely to be underweight and of white ethnic background. Women who gave birth during the teenage years were at increased risk of preterm and very preterm delivery. This risk was higher for younger teenager mothers than for older teenagers and in the 14-17 group the risk was greater in second pregnancies than in first.

Speaking about the results, Dr Khashan said, “It is possible that the increased risk of poor pregnancy outcome is related to biological immaturity. It is also possible that the increased risk of poor pregnancy outcome in the second teenage pregnancy is related to numerous complicating factors such as greater social deprivation and less prenatal care.”

Professor Louise Kenny, a Health Research Board clinician scientist and consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Cork University Maternity Hospital, who led the study, said, “These results highlight the importance of ensuring pregnant teenagers have appropriate antenatal care. Moreover, a vital component of this care is post-natal contraception to prevent a second teenage pregnancy with potentially higher risks of adverse outcomes. A first pregnancy may be the first and only time a pregnant teenager interacts with health services and this opportunity should not be overlooked.”

Professor Richard Greene, the Director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre at Cork University Maternity Hospital said ‘‘Teenage pregnancy rates in Ireland are lower than those in the UK, particularly amongst very young teenagers. However, this study highlights the importance of accurate statistical data which can inform policy, help build capacity and plan service delivery for some of the most vulnerable in our society.”

This study was funded by the Health Research Board (Ireland). The database is housed at the North Western Perinatal Unit which is run by the University of Manchester.

Picture: Cork University Maternity Hospital

RMcD