Obstetric problems in the adolescent Zambian mother studied at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka

Abstract

The Obstetric performance of teenage primigravida aged 12-15 years was studied retrospectively and analysed in the local population attending the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka. The leading Obstetric complications were cephalo-pelvic disproportion (3.6%) and acute toxeamia (2.2%). The caesarean section rate (7.5%) and operative vaginal delivery rate (11%) were both high. There was one maternal death due to Obstetric shock. The rates for prematurity (154/1,000), still births (30.8/1000), and neonatal death (101.9/1,000) were increased. Perinatal mortality rate was 123/1,000. The incidence of pregnancy between 12-15 years was 1.2%. Overall incidence of teenage pregnancy (12-19 years) was 22.5% and parity of 5 was observed at the age of 18 and 19. The study concluded that early teenage pregnancy carried obstetrical risks and was associated with a high perinatal loss.