Evaluation Of Adolescent Pregnants’ Nutritional Status And Newborn’s Weight Status

Abstract

Aim: This follow-up study, designed as a observational and cross-sectional research, was planned in order to determine the nutritional status, weight gains of adolescent pregnant during pregnancy, to evaluate weights of newborns and to determine the relationship between them. Material and Method: The study was conducted on 32 adolescent pregnants, (mean age:18.31±0.8 years) who applied to maternity clinic of a university hospital in XXX city and their newborns. Data were collected through questionnaire technique. Nutritional status of pregnants was determined by 24-hour recall method. Newborns’ height, weight and head circumference measurements were recorded by taking from hospital records. In order to determine weight gains of the newborns, their body weight measurements were repeated for four weeks. Results: It was determined that the majority of pregnants consumed energy and protein at adequate levels during each trimesters; their iron, calcium, niacin, folic acid, phosphorus, vitamin B12 intakes were inadequately. It was determined that the average total weight gain of pregnant women during pregnancy was found within the lower limits of the recommended amounts. The birth weight, birth length and head circumference of the newborns and the total weight gain at the end of the first month were found in accordance with the references. There was a positive and significant and correlation between the prenatal body weight of pregnants and birth weights of the newborns (p: 0.020). Conclusion: As a result, it was revealed that young marriage and adolescent pregnancy in our country are still seen and research findings consistent with domestic and international literature. Early marriage brings many disadvantages in terms of the physical health, psychological development and education of adolescents. Therefore; adolescents should be informed about the negative consequences of early marriages.