Maternal outcomes of the childbirth among primiparous teenagers in South Kivu, RD Congo

Background: Adolescent births remain at high risk. The aim of this study was to determine the maternal prognosis of births among primiparous teenagers in South Kivu.Methods: A case-control study of 250 primiparous teenagers (cases) and another group of 500 primiparous adults aged 20-34 years (control) was performed in 4 General Reference Hospitals of South Kivu in Republic Democratic Congo. The study period was from January to December 2017. A survey sheet was used to collect the data. The analysis were performed using SPSS 22.0 and EPIINFO version 7.2.2.6.Results: Out of a total of 8490 deliveries recorded at the 4 General Reference Hospitals in South Kivu in 2017, authors recorded 250 deliveries of primiparous teenagers, or 2.9%. The maternal prognosis of adolescent deliveries was more marked by a high rate of caesarean section (OR=13.5), the presence of complications (OR=7.37), prolonged labor (OR=4.51), lesions soft tissues (OR=3.92), intraoperative bleeding (OR=3.26) and fever by puerperal infection (OR=2.13).Conclusions: The frequency of childbirth among primiparous teenagers and maternal-neonatal prognosis has been determined and is of concern. The prevention of adolescent obstetric complications includes the respect for the legal age of marriage, adequate antenatal care and childbirth in a specialized hospital setting.

Outcomes of Care for 1,892 Doula-Supported Adolescent Births in the United States: The DONA International Data Project, 2000 to 2013

This is the largest study to-date to report on outcomes of care for a national sample of doula-supported adolescent births (n = 1,892, birth years 2000 to 2013). Descriptive statistics were calculated for maternal demographics, risk profiles, labor/birth interventions and occurrences, and birth outcomes. In this national sample, childbearing adolescents and their neonates experienced improved health outcomes and lower rates of intervention relative to national statistics for adolescent deliveries in the United States. Key findings are consistent with previous studies on the effects of doula care for marginalized and medically underserved communities. Results strengthen the case for doulas as a perinatal care strategy for improving maternal and infant health outcomes and decreasing inequities among childbearing adolescents.