Comparative Analysis of Feto Maternal Outcome Associated with Preeclampsia and Eclampsia in Teenage and Non-Teenage Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia and eclampsia are major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Teenage pregnancy may further increase the risk of adverse fetomaternal outcomes because of biological, nutritional, socioeconomic, and healthcare-related vulnerabilities. This study was undertaken to compare fetomaternal outcomes among teenage and non-teenage pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Methods: This hospital-based descriptive observational follow-up study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Deben Mahata Government Medical College and Hospital, Purulia, West Bengal, over a period of 12 months. A total of 120 pregnant women diagnosed clinically with preeclampsia or eclampsia were enrolled, comprising 60 teenage mothers aged 10–19 years and 60 non-teenage mothers aged 20–35 years. Participants were followed from admission through delivery and the postpartum period or hospital discharge. Maternal characteristics, blood pressure, proteinuria, gestational age, mode of delivery, maternal complications, birth weight, APGAR scores, live/stillbirth status, and neonatal complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test and chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Teenage mothers had significantly higher mean systolic blood pressure (157±8.22 vs. 148±8.62 mmHg; p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (104±7.95 vs. 97.3±8.14 mmHg; p<0.001) at admission compared with non-teenage mothers. Mean gestational age at delivery was significantly lower among teenagers (37.0±2.06 vs. 38.0±2.15 weeks; p=0.012), with preterm delivery occurring in 36.7% and 23.3% of the respective groups. Mean neonatal birth weight was significantly lower among teenage mothers (2307.6±375 vs. 2578.1±654 g; p=0.006), and low birth weight occurred in 75% compared with 40% of neonates born to non-teenage mothers. APGAR scores and overall neonatal complications showed a trend toward poorer outcomes among teenagers, although these differences were not statistically significant. Maternal complication rates were comparable between groups, and one maternal death occurred in the teenage group.
Conclusion: Among pregnant women with preeclampsia or eclampsia, teenage mothers demonstrated higher blood pressure at admission, earlier delivery, and significantly lower neonatal birth weight compared with non-teenage mothers. The findings highlight the need for early antenatal registration, regular blood pressure surveillance, nutritional support, timely identification of severe disease, and appropriate obstetric and neonatal care for adolescent pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders.