Teenage Pregnancy: An Overview

Also referred to as “adolescent pregnancy”, teenage pregnancy is when a woman who has not yet reached the age of adulthood becomes pregnant. These usually occur within the teenage years of 13-19. Even in earlier generations, women tend to have children even during their early teens so this is not a new social phenomenon. This may be intentional or unintentional.

Pregnancy among teenagers is an important concern. There are risks to both the mother and the baby’s health. Compared to older mothers, teenage mothers who don’t receive prenatal care are likely to have higher risks of pregnancy related complications such as anemia, pre-eclampsia, toxemia and high blood pressure. They may also face long labor or go into labor early.

Low birth weight and/ or premature birth are risks for the baby. This may lead to underdeveloped organs such as the lungs, heart, and brain, respiratory distress syndrome and intestinal problems. There is also a possibility of high infant mortality rate or stillbirths.

Other factors that may affect the baby’s health includes cigarette smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, iron deficiency anemia and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Teenage pregnancy is universal. As per data that supports a survey regarding this, it has been shown that in developed countries, this is rampant among those of lower education levels and with high poverty rates. This is usually outside of wedlock so it carries a social stigma in many cultures and communities. Because of this, studies are being made to uncover its causes to eradicate or limit the number of adolescent pregnancies.

In the developing world wherein the culture is different, this doesn’t involve social stigma, teenage pregnancy is typically within marriage. In some societies, early marriage as well as traditional gender roles are one of the main factors in the rate of adolescent pregnancies. Take for instance in sub-Saharan Africa where pregnancy is a proof of a woman’s fertility so early pregnancy is considered a blessing.