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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2740-2424
Original Article

Young Birthing Age and Postpartum Outcomes

Authors

  • Trisha Nandakumar

    1   Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN12269)

  • Alexandra Bader

    1   Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN12269)

  • Caroline Brumley

    2   University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN12269)

  • Samantha Considine

    2   University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN12269)

  • Lindsey Wanberg

    2   University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN12269)

  • Katelyn M Tessier

    3   Biostatistics Core, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN5635)

  • Karin Larsen

    1   Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN12269)

  • Cresta Jones

    4   Obstetrics Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN12269)

Supported by: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences UM1TR004405
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Objective While previous studies identified increased perinatal risks with younger age (18 years or younger) at childbirth, less is known about postpartum outcomes. This study examined postpartum outcomes in a first birth (primiparous) cohort of younger individuals compared to a standard risk population (age 25-30 years). Study Design A retrospective cohort study compared postpartum outcomes in primiparous patients 18 years or younger (n=520) compared to those aged 25-30 years (n=558). Outcomes are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) to account for age related associations with race, and tobacco exposure. Results Younger birthing aged primiparous were more likely to be prescribed contraception at the time of hospital discharge (34.4% vs. 16.5%, aOR 2.07) than primiparous patients of a standard risk age (25-30 years at birth). They were also less likely to be breastfeeding at hospital discharge (78.4% vs. 97.1%, aOR 0.09). Additionally, younger patients were significantly less likely to attend postpartum visits (39.4% vs. 47.1%, aOR 0.67), although both groups had less than half of participants attending postpartum visits. Differences identified at hospital discharge persisted during postpartum care contraception use (87.2% vs. 77.8%, aOR 2.43) and breastfeeding (44.9% vs. 87.2%, aOR 0.12). There was also a trend in standardized postpartum depression screening, with 60.0% of the younger group screened, and 71.4% of the standard risk group screened. Conclusion Younger birthing age at first birth is associated with lower breastfeeding rates and higher contraception use, compared to primiparous standard risk patients. Furthermore, younger birthing patients appear to have a decreased rate of standardized screening for postpartum depression, although screening rates are low across groups. These data may help tailor birthing and postpartum programs to better address specific risks for younger patients.



Publication History

Received: 21 August 2025

Accepted after revision: 05 November 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
07 November 2025

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