Teen pregnancy is an important issue. There are health risks for the baby and children born to teenage mothers are more likely to suffer health, social, and emotional problems. Women who become pregnant during their teens have an increased risk for complications, such as premature labor and socioeconomic consequences as well.

Teen pregnancy rates in the United States declined steadily from 1991 to 2005—from 60 out of 1000 teenagers in 1991 to 40.5 out of 1000 in 2005. In 2006, however, the teen pregnancy rate increased to about 42 out of 1000. Approximately one-third of young women in the United States become pregnant during their teens. More than 80% of teen pregnancies are unintended and unintentional. The highest teen birth rate occurs in Hispanic women (83 out of 1000 in 2006).

Declining teen pregnancy rates are thought to be attributed to more effective birth control practice and decreased sexual activity among teens. The most dramatic reduction in teen pregnancy—23%—has occurred among African American teenagers.

Still, teenage pregnancy rates remain high and approximately 1 million teenage girls become pregnant each year in the United States. About 13% of U.S. births involve teen mothers and about 25% of teenage girls who give birth have another baby within 2 years. To lower teen pregnancy rates, older children must be educated about sex and about the consequences of pregnancy.

Health Risks to the Baby

Infants born to teenage mothers are at increased risk for a number of health risks. These risks include the following:

• Teenage mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during their pregancy, leading to low birthweight. Low birthweight is associated with several infant and childhood disorders and a higher rate of infant mortality. Low-birthweight babies are more likely to have organs that are not fully developed, which can result in complications, such as bleeding in the brain, respiratory distress syndrome, and intestinal problems.

• Teenage mothers have a higher rate of poor eating habits than older women and are less likely to take recommended daily prenatal multivitamins to maintain adequate nutrition during pregnancy. Teens also are more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take drugs during pregnancy, which can cause health problems for the baby.

• Teenage mothers receive regular prenatal care less often than older women. Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the growth of the fetus and the health of the mother. During prenatal care, medical professionals provide important information about good nutrition and about other ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), babies born to women who do not have regular prenatal care are 4 times more likely to die before the age of 1 year.

Children Born to Teenage Mothers

In addition to increased health risks, children born to teenage mothers are more likely to experience social, emotional, and other problems. These problems include the following:

• Children born to teenage mothers are less likely to receive proper nutrition, health care, and cognitive and social stimulation. As a result, they are at risk for lower academic achievement.

•  Children born to teenage mothers are at increased risk for abuse and neglect.

•  Boys born to teenage mothers are 13% more likely to be incarcerated later in life.

• Girls born to teenage mothers are 22% more likely to become teenage mothers themselves.

Other Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy

• Teenage births are associated with lower annual income for the mother. Eighty percent of teen mothers must rely on welfare at some point.

•  Teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school. Only about one-third of teen mothers obtain a high school diploma.

• Teenage pregnancies are associated with increased rates of alcohol and substance abuse, lower educational level, and reduced earning potential in teen fathers.

• In the United States, the annual cost of teen pregnancies from lost tax revenues, public assistance, child health care, foster care, and involvement with the criminal justice system is estimated to be about $7 billion. 

Teen Pregnancy Information 

Early prenatal medical care, proper nutrition, and healthy choices (e.g., not smoking, not drinking alcohol, not taking illegal drugs, exercising regularly) are important parts of a healthy pregnancy. If you are sexually active and think you might be pregnant, ask a parent or another trusted adult (e.g., family member or friend, teacher, school counselor, clergy) to help you locate a physician, prenatal clinic, or social service organization for pregnant teens as soon as possible.

There are a number of resources available to help pregnant teens and their families decide the best option for their particular situation (e.g., adoption, raising the child). The earlier you obtain medical care, the better your chances for having a healthy pregnancy. An OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist) is a physician specialist who has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system.

Ideally, women should visit a health care provider before becoming pregnant; however, because many pregnancies are unplanned and unexpected, this is not always possible. If you suspect you may be pregnant, it's important to see an OB/GYN as early as possible in your pregnancy. Although dealing with a teen pregnancy can be difficult, your OB/GYN is there to help and the primary importance is your health and the health of your unborn baby.

Early signs of pregnancy include the following:

• Abdominal bloating
• Breast sensitivity (e.g., tenderness, swelling)
• Fatigue
• Food cravings or aversions
• Frequent urination
• Light bleeding or spotting (called implantation bleeding)
• Missed menstrual period
• Nausea or queasiness

During your first appointment, your health care provider (e.g., physician, midwife, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner) will take a detailed personal and family medical history, perform a physical examination (including pelvic exam), and conduct laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests, urine tests, and tests to detect sexually transmitted diseases [STDs], including HIV). Make sure your health care provider knows about past or current medical conditions, such as diabetes, and about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements.

Here are some questions to ask your health care provider. Print this page and take it with you to your appointment. Answers to these questions can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your pregnancy.

1. How many weeks along is my pregnancy? What is my due date?
2. Does my pregnancy appear to be healthy and progressing normally?
3. Can you recommend resources for additional information about adoption, abortion, and raising a child?
4. Can you recommend a class or program in the area or an online support group for pregnant teens? Is there a group that provides support to expectant teenage fathers?
5. Should I begin taking a prenatal supplement? Which one(s)?
6. In addition to cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs, what other substances should I avoid while pregnant?
7. How can I be sure to eat a healthy diet during pregnancy? Are there any foods that I should avoid?
8. What types of exercise do you recommend during pregnancy? Are there activities that I should avoid?
9. How can I make sure to get enough sleep during pregnancy?
10. How often will I be seen in the office? Next appointment: Date: Time:
11. Will I see different members of the obstetric team (e.g., nurse practitioner, midwife, nurse-midwife)?
12. What types of tests (e.g., ultrasound, blood tests) may be used to monitor my pregnancy?
13. Is my pregnancy considered high risk? Am I at increased risk for pregnancy complications, such as anemia, high blood pressure, or premature delivery?
14. Does my baby have a higher-than-normal risk for medical problems?
15. What are some warning signs that may indicate a problem with my baby?  Emergency telephone number to call:
16. Should I attend special childbirth classes for teens?
17. At which hospital or childbirth center will I deliver?
18. What is the cesarean rate for your practice?
19. If complications develop during delivery, might I or my baby be transferred to another facility?
20. How do I select a pediatrician for my child?
21. Can you recommend sources for additional support if needed?

• Teens must be educated and informed about how to avoid risky sexual behavior and how to use contraceptives correctly. They need basic information about how to protect themselves and their reproductive health.

• Teenagers must develop skills in communication and sexual decision making so that sex does not just "happen."

•  Teenagers must be made aware of the consequences of having more than one child at a young age. Twenty-five percent of teenage mothers give birth to a second baby within 2 years.

Birth Control

There are various birth control methods available for teenagers. Teens should talk to their health care provider to determine which is the best choice for them:

• Depo-Provera® is injected into a woman's arm muscle or buttocks every 3 months. This type of birth control requires a visit to a doctor or other health care professional. This method prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Depo-Provera also reduces menstrual cramps, iron-deficiency anemia, and the risk for endometrial cancer. Side effects include irregular periods, weight gain, and tender breasts.

• Norplant® is an implant that is inserted under the skin. This type of birth control is effective for up to 5 years. It is made up of 6 matchstick-sized rubber rods and must be inserted and removed by a professional health care provider. There is an increased risk for pregnancy in heavier women, but Norplant® failure is generally rare. Side effects include changes in the menstrual cycle, weight gain, and tender breasts.

• There are also a variety of low-dose birth control pills that are fairly safe for use in teens. Birth control pills also reduce menstrual cramps and blood flow, regulate the menstrual cycle, and, in some cases, reduce acne.

• Condoms and contraceptive jelly reduce the risk for teen pregnancy and for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

• Emergency contraceptive pills, also known as "morning-after pills," are effective if taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. Most medical insurance companies cover them. They must be prescribed by a doctor or other health care professional if the woman is under 18.