Maternal Depression and Birth Outcomes Among Pregnant Teens

Depression rates during pregnancy range from 2 to 21 percent. Among pregnant adolescents, prevalence rates are much higher, between 16% and 44%, at least twice as high as among pregnant adults. Few studies have examined the effects of maternal depression among adolescent women, despite evidence that teen mothers are at high risk for depression and have less than optimal birth outcomes. This study investigated the prevalence and impact of depression on birth weight and gestational age of infants born to adolescent mothers.

Data was extracted from medical and program records of adolescent patients enrolled in an urban hospital-based program for pregnant adolescents. The study population included 294 African American (76.2%) and Latina (23.8%) girls. Mean age of the population was 16.2 years (SD 1.4). Adolescents were categorized as: No depression (controls), depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation and/or attempt (SI/SA).

Results revealed a higher prevalence of depression among pregnant teens (27.6%), compared to national rates of non-pregnant teens. Adolescents with more severe depression symptoms (SI/SA group) were more likely to deliver an infant of lower birth weight (-311.6 gms, 95% CI -528.7 to -94.6, p=0.05), compared to depressed adolescents.

Study results suggest that pregnant adolescents have a high rate of depressive symptoms. Adolescents with more severe depressive symptoms have infants with significantly lower birth weights. Screening for depression is an important component of prenatal care for adolescents. Integrated medical and mental health services for high-risk pregnant teens may increase the likelihood of optimal birth outcomes.