A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Consequences of Adolescent Pregnancy on Maternal and Neonatal Health

Abstract

Abstract Aims: Globally, both Human Nutritionists and Public Health Professionals are concerned about adolescent pregnancy. Maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality are much greater among adolescent mothers than among adult mothers. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of teenage pregnancy on Maternal and Neonate Health Status. Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, the Cochrane library, and Google Scholar) were scoured for relevant articles between January 2015 and October 2021. All of the included studies were assessed for their methodological quality using the Joint Biomedical Investigations Handbook's (JBI) standards. To estimate the pooled outcomes, a random-effects model was applied. Result: After examining the eligibility criteria, twelve papers were assessed for qualitative evaluation, and eight were selected for quantitative analysis. The pooled result of the analysis showed that the risk of preeclampsia [Odd (95% CI): 1.02 (0.79-1.32)] and anemia [Odd (95% CI): 1.11 (0.97-1.27)] was higher, and the risk of gestational diabetes [Odd (95% CI): 0.76 (0.51-1.13)], placental disruption [Odd (95% CI): 0.89 (0.5-1.56)], cesarean delivery [Odd (95% CI): 0.88 (0.51-1.52)] and premature rupture of the fetal membrane [Odd (95% CI): 0.95 (0.69-1.3)] were lower among adolescent mother compared with adult mother. Nevertheless, no significant differences existed across the groups. Adolescents had a significantly higher risk of having a premature baby [odds ratio (95% CI): 1.72, (1.03-2.85)]. whereas there is no significant difference observed in the risk of low birth weight and postpartum hemorrhage. Conclusion: The current meta-analysis suggests that adolescent pregnancy might have a potential effect on maternal and neonatal health.