Statistics on US Teenage Pregnancy

Although the rate of teenage birth in the USA has steadily declined since 1991, compared to most developing countries this is still considered a higher percentage. Teenage pregnancy has been an utmost concern due to the health risks both teenage mothers and their babies face as well as other factors like diminishing the opportunity to build a better future.

Here are some important information regarding US teenage pregnancy:

• In 2004, more than 10% of all births in the US were to mothers under the age of 20. 67% of teenage births are from girls ages 18-19.
• Each year, there are more than 750,000 teenagers who become pregnant. About 420,000 of them complete the term or deliver.
• 3:10 is the ratio of teenage girls becoming pregnant before reaching the age of 20.
• From 1991 to 2004, teenage birth rate has declined. The rate fell from 61.8 per 1,000 women to 41.1.  After their first baby, 22 -30 % of teenage mothers under age 18 have a second baby within two years
• Teenage mothers are more likely to give birth prematurely than mothers over age 20. The preterm birth rates between 2002 and 2004 averaged 14.3% for those women under the age of 20 compared to 11.7% of women that are 20-29 years of age. Babies who are born prematurely face risks of newborn health problems, disabilities dues to organ failure and even stillbirths.
• In 2004, 14.2% of teens ages 15-19 smoked while pregnant, compared to 10.2% population of all pregnant women.
• From 2000 to 2002, 7% of teenage mothers between ages 15 to 19 years do not receive proper prenatal care, compared to 3.8% for all ages.

Based on the statistics, teenage mothers are at greater risk than those women over 20 years of age for pregnancy complications.