Pregnancy and abortion rates in Greek adolescent health clinics
E. Deligeoroglou, P. Christopoulos, A. Deliveliotou, G. Creatsas
Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 2nd Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Medical School, Aretaieion
Hospital, Athens, Greece
Objective: To evaluate the incidence of teenage pregnancy and abortion
in Greek territory.
Design and Methods: Record of teenage pregnants, admitted in
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Athens University Medical School,
from 1985 till 2003. We investigated the gestational age at presentation,
pregnancy outcome and birth weight. We also evaluated pregnancy and delivery
complications.
Results: Adolescent mothers, aged 14–19 years old, represent 7.53%
of total births, occurred within these years. Among the teenage pregnancies, 34%
resulted in birth, 57% in abortions and 9% in miscarriage. The mean gestational
age at presentation was 31 weeks when mean gestational age at delivery was 38
weeks and 3 days. The mean birth weight was 2,880 g. Teenage birth rate has
decreased from 9.0% in 1985 to 5.2% in 2003.
Conclusions: Although premature pregnancy rates have declined recently,
abortion rates during adolescence are still a problem of high importance.
Complications are noted more often due to age particularities, such as low
compliance and immaturity of the genital tract.
