Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy remains a critical reproductive health issue as it is associated with increased risks for both mothers and newborns. Evaluating clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in this group is essential for developing appropriate local interventions. Objective: To investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics, as well as pregnancy outcomes, of pregnant adolescents delivering at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 adolescent pregnant women aged 13 to 19 years, with a gestational age of at least 22 weeks, admitted for delivery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, from May 2023 to May 2025. Data on demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics, as well as pregnancy outcomes, were collected and analyzed with statistical significance set (p < 0.05). Results: The mean maternal age was 17.92 years, with the 18 - 19 age group accounting for 65.6%. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.0 weeks, and the preterm birth rate was 12.5%. The cesarean section rate was 15.6%, primarily due to fetal distress and labor arrest. The rate of low birth weight newborns was 14.8%. The overall rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes was 54.7%. Maternal age < 18 years was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, preterm birth, and neonates requiring intensive care admission compared to maternal age ≥ 18 years.