Analysis of the Relationship between Adolescent Pregnancy and the Incidence of Preterm Labor at Kalirejo Health Center, Katon District, Pesawaran Regency

Abstract

Preterm labor refers to labor occurring before 37 weeks of gestation, or between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation.  Adolescent pregnancy is one of the risk factors for preterm birth. If a teenager's gestational age is less than 20 years old, it is more likely that a premature baby will be born. In the work area of ​​the Callejo Health Center, there has been an increase in teenage pregnancies and premature births compared to last year. Based on this, this study was conducted to determine the association between adolescent pregnancy and the incidence of preterm birth in the work area of ​​Calilejo Health Center, Pesawalan District. This research method uses an analytical descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. Case sampling used a method of summing the preterm birth event population of 33 individuals, and an equal number of control samples were drawn from all normal (nonpreterm) births by simple random sampling. Secondary data on medical records of midwifery practices in obstetrics and maternity services were used for this data. Data analysis using the scientific squares test is presented in a 2x2 matrix. The results showed that there was a link between adolescent labor and the frequency of preterm birth. The occurrence of preterm birth in adolescent mothers may be due to insufficient blood flow to the cervix and uterus. This blood flow is often poorly developed, which can reduce the flow of nutrients to the fetus and increase the risk of infections that can lead to premature birth. The results of this study should be taken up by responsible health authorities to increase the level of knowledge regarding the management of pregnancy in adolescents.