Labor outcome of juvenile primiparae in a population with a high incidence of contracted pelvis

Abstract

Labor outcome of primiparae less than 17 years was compared with non-juvenile primiparae in a population with a high incidence of contracted pelvis. Juvenile primiparae were referred to hospital on the basis of age, whereas non-juveniles were referred for an obstetric complication. There was no statistical difference in rates of cesarean section, Ventouse, operative delivery, low birth weight, or perinatal mortality between 538 juveniles and 5294 older "high risk" mothers. Symphysiotomy rates were actually higher in the juveniles (12.6% vs. 9.7%, P less than 0.05). These data support the practice of hospital referral for juvenile African women in labor.