Primary Article

Health Problems During the First Year of Life in Infants Born to Adolescent Mothers

Authors: PAUL SMOLEN MD, CHARLENE MILLER RN, RUTH ONEAL MD, MICHAEL R. LAWLESS MD

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The role of maternal age at birth was investigated to determine its impact on an infants health status during the first year of life. A sample population of 112 healthy term infants born to young primiparous mothers (≤ 17 years) was compared using a chart audit with a population of 92 infants born to older primiparous mothers (≥18 years). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of missed clinic appointments, number of emergency room visits, number of hospitalizations, number of infants fully immunized, or incidence of child abuse. Poor weight gain and fewer outpatient visits for medical problems were more frequent in the infants of the younger population. Education programs designed for pregnant adolescents should stress the proper use of health professionals and appropriate methods of infant feeding.

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References