INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Adolescence is a period between 10 and 19years with peculiar physical, psychological and reproductive health characteristics. Adolescent pregnancy is the occurrence of pregnancy in girls between 10 and 19years old(1). Maternal age has been indicated to be an important factor in the determination of obstetric outcomes. Adolescent mothers especially those 15years and below appear to be high risk with poor obstetric outcomes.

It has become a major public health concern which accounts for the high rate of maternal mortality and morbidity(2)
The few studies conducted in Africa present inconsistent and inconclusive findings on the distribution of the problem. Demographic data indicates that pregnancy in adolescence is more likely associated with being single, having low socio-economic status and lacking social support system(3) Pregnant adolescents are believed to be at high risk for some complications of pregnancy but if however they seek prenatal care early and consistently and cooperate with recommendations, the risk is comparable to that of other age groups(3)
Clinical data identify a common pattern of late entry to the prenatal care system. Failure to return for scheduled appointments and non compliance with medical and nursing recommendations. As a result of these behaviors, adolescents are at a higher risk for pregnancy related complications such as preterm labor and delivery, anemia, obstructed labor, hemorrhage and pre eclampsia/eclampsia.
Other complications include abortion, puerperal sepsis, ectopic pregnancy, ruptured uterus, and low birth weight babies. These complications are major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Under proper and prompt management of these complications maternal morbidity and mortality is highly reduced (2).

For the adolescents then, because of anatomical and physiological immaturity of their reproductive organs, low socio economic status, cultural values and being dependent, they are less ready than older women to have healthy babies. Many have poor eating habits, poor quality of diet and poor knowledge of appropriate nutrition these habits may not change during pregnancy.

Some of the fetal complications are attributed to intrauterine growth restriction leading to small for gestational age. Poor weight gain and physical immaturity also increases the difficulties of delivery. However, psychosocial immaturity of the adolescents has contributed as they are less likely to ask for investigations and measurements as well as poor medication compliance.