Teen Pregnancy

Home » Teen Pregnancy » Overview, Health Risks to the Baby and Other Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy

Overview

Teen pregnancy rates in the United States have declined steadily in recent years. More than 60 of every 1000 teenage women gave birth in 1991 and 41 per 1000 in 2004 (the last year for which data are available). This decline is thought to be attributed to more effective birth control practice and decreased sexual activity among teens. The most dramatic reduction—23%—has occurred among African American teenagers.

Still, teenage pregnancy rates remain high. In the United States, approximately 1 million teenage girls become pregnant every year. As many as 5% of teenage girls give birth and, in 1997, about 13% of U.S. births were to teens. About 25% of teenage girls who give birth have another baby within 2 years. In order to lower teenage birthrates, teens must be educated about sex and the consequences of pregnancy.

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

Health Risks to the Baby
Teenage births create health risks for the baby including the following:

• Teenage mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during their pregancy, leading to low birthweight, which is associated with infant and childhood disorders and a high 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 tend to have poor eating habits and are less likely to take recommended daily multivitamins to maintain adequate nutrition during pregnancy. They are also more likely to smoke, drink, or take drugs during pregnancy, which can cause health problems for the baby.

• Teenage mothers are less likely to seek regular prenatal care. Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the growth of the fetus; keeping the mother's weight in check; and advising the mother on nutrition and how she should take care of herself to ensure a healthy pregnancy. According to the American Medical Association, 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:

• Children born to teenage mothers are less likely to receive proper nutrition, health care, and cognitive and social stimulation. As a result, they may have an underdeveloped intellect and attain lower academic achievement.
• Children born to teenage mothers are at greater risk for abuse and neglect.
• Boys born to teenage mothers are 13% more likely to be incarcerated.
• Girls born to teenage mothers are 22% more likely to become teenage mothers.

Other Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy

• Teenage births are associated with lower annual income for the mother, 80% of whom eventually rely on welfare.
• Teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school and only about one-third obtain a high school diploma.
• Teenage pregnancies are associated with an increased rate of delinquent behaviors in the fathers, including alcohol and substance abuse, lower educational level, and reduced earning potential.
• 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 Resources

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