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PIP: Adolescent pregnancy poses health risks to both mother and child. For example, females 15 years old are more likely to die from pregnancy complications than older women. Adolescents often have poor eating habits, smoke, drink alcohol, and take drugs all of which can contribute to premature or prolonged labor. Further, these actions coupled with not seeking prenatal care during the 1st 3 months of pregnancy (70% of pregnant teenagers do not do so) increase the odds of having a low birth weight baby. These babies often have immature organ systems and problems regulating body temperature and blood sugar levels. They often are mentally retarded. Finally their mortality risk is significantly higher than that of normal weight babies. Teenage pregnancy often results in the mother dropping out of school thereby lacking job skills. Her income is 50% lower than that of women who wait to have their 1st child in their 20s. Even if a teenage mother weds, the couple most likely will divorce. Teenagers encounter much misinformation about sexuality at the same time that their sexual urge increases greatly. They often experiment with sex, sometimes under peer pressure, without using contraception resulting in unwanted pregnancies. Supportive and loving parents and/or an adult with whom they are comfortable can help them sort through their feelings and the confusion about sex. Parents should foster candid and open discussion about sex, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and contraception. It is important that teenagers know the difference between effective and ineffective contraceptives. They also need to discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and health risk of contraceptives with a physician or family planning counselor. County health departments, community family planning clinics, and family physicians all can help parents and/or adolescents learn more about responsible sexual behavior.
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