Labor progression in teenage women

Am J Perinatol. 2014 Oct;31(9):753-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1359722. Epub 2013 Dec 11.

Abstract

Objective: Compare labor progression in first and second stages in women < 18 years with those ≥18 years.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive women at term that reached the second stage of labor between 2004 and 2008. The first stage in women < 18 years was compared with women ≥18 years. Average labor curves were constructed and median time spent to progress 1 cm in dilation and total time from 4 to 10 cm was estimated. Time spent pushing and total duration of second stage were compared between groups. Analyses were then stratified by parity.

Results: There was no significant difference in progress of the first stage of labor between women < 18 years and those ≥18 years. In the second stage, nulliparous teenage women were less likely to have a duration > 60 or 120 minutes.

Conclusion: Laboring women < 18 years should be managed with the same expectations of labor as women ≥18 years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Labor Stage, First / physiology*
  • Labor Stage, Second / physiology*
  • Parity
  • Pregnancy / physiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult