Studies have identified increased perinatal risks for young birthing age (≤18 years), but less is known about postpartum outcomes. This study examines postpartum outcomes in a primiparous cohort of young birthing patients as compared to a population aged 25 to 30 years.

This retrospective cohort study compares postpartum outcomes in primiparous young birthing age patients (n = 520) compared to birthing patients 25 to 30 years (n = 558). Outcomes are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Primiparous young birthing patients were more likely to be prescribed contraception at hospital discharge (34.4 vs. 16.5%, aOR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.49–2.89) than primiparous 25- to 30-year-old patients. They were also less likely to breastfeed at hospital discharge (78.4 vs. 97.1%, aOR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.05–0.17). Additionally, young patients were significantly less likely to attend postpartum visits (39.4 vs. 47.1%, aOR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52–0.92), although less than half of participants overall attended a postpartum visit. Differences identified at hospital discharge persisted during postpartum care for contraceptive use (87.2 vs. 77.8%, aOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.35–4.51) and for breastfeeding (44.9 vs. 87.2%, aOR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.07–0.2). There was also a trend toward decreased postpartum depression screening, with 59.5% of the young group screened, and 71.5% of the 25- to 30-year-old group screened.

Young birthing age at the time of first birth is associated with lower breastfeeding rates and higher contraception use, compared to primiparous standard risk patients. Furthermore, young birthing patients appear to have a decreased rate of standardized screening for postpartum depression, although screening rates are low in both groups. These data may help tailor birthing and postpartum follow-up programs to better address specific risks for younger patients.

Postpartum outcomes differ with younger birthing age.

Postpartum care is less likely with a younger birthing age.

Depression screening is less frequent with younger birthing age.

Received: 21 August 2025

Accepted: 05 November 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
07 November 2025

Article published online:
17 November 2025

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