Adolescence and risk of preterm birth in multifetal gestations

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate if adolescence confers additional risk for preterm delivery in multifetal gestations.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of all twin and triplet deliveries from 8/2008 to 12/2012 at two Detroit Hospitals. Outcomes in adolescent mothers aged 19 or younger (n = 59) were compared with adult controls aged 20–34 (n = 350).

Results: Mean gestational age at delivery in adolescents was 31.3 (SD: 5.8) weeks versus 34.2 (SD: 4.3) weeks in adults (p < .001). On multivariable analysis, adolescence was associated with preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.3; 95% confidence intervals [95% CI], 1.1–4.7, p = .02) and early-preterm delivery (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI 1.2–4; p = .01). Adjusted rates of preterm and early-preterm delivery were markedly higher in adolescents compared with controls. Being an adolescent was also a significant risk factor for iatrogenic preterm delivery (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–5.5; p = .04).

Conclusions: Adolescents pregnant with twins or triplets deliver 3 weeks, on average, before adults and are at markedly increased risk of preterm and early-preterm delivery.

Keywords:

• Adolescents
• multiple gestations
• prematurity
• twins

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.