Effects of General Health and Nutritional Status of Pregnant Adolescents on Newborn Health

Abstract

Objective: Adolescent pregnancy is considered a high risk for both the mother and infant. The aim of this study was to determine general health and nutritional status of adolescent pregnants and to search the effects of these on newborn. Material and methods: Anthropometric measurements, biochemical findings, and nutritional status of 220 adolescent pregnants were examined. Mothers complete a face-to-face questionnaire. Participants were asked for nutritional status and pregnancy history. Weight controls and laboratory findings were repeated by providing monthly, physician examination for these pregnants and food consumptions were examined in each control. Pregnancy outcomes were measured and records by the investigator himself. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained from the 168 birth records. General health status and anthropometric measurements to birth of infants were examined in this study Results: The mean age of 17.4 +/- 0.73 years for women, average age of marriage and first pregnancy 16.40 +/- 09 and 16.8 +/- 05 years, respectively. In these pregnants, premature birth and still birth is 3.1%, infants who dead after birth is 3.2%, abortion and curettage is 10.6%. Children born to mothers with multiple pregnancies, 46.6% percent have died. In this study it was determined that women, 40% of whom was anemic, consumed only 41.6% of iron amount recommanded. Their energy, protein and vitamin A consumptions were also below recommendation amount. Average weight gain were 10.95 +/- 4.89 kg for all pregnant. 10.1% of pregnant women delivered <= 36 weeks, 80.9% of them delivered between 37-40 weeks, and various health problems were observed 32.7% of the infants. Conclusion: Nutrition is more important for adolescent pregnant due to the growth of both lives. When assessed in terms of mother and child health services, society should be continuously informed about adequate and balanced nutrition.