What is Adolescent Pregnancy?

Adolescent pregnancy, sometimes called teen pregnancy, is usually considered pregnancy in a woman under the age of 19. More commonly, adolescent pregnancy is the term used for pregnancy at an age when pregnancy is considered inappropriate due to the youth of the woman. In some cultures, it is considered appropriate for a woman of 18 years of age to become pregnant, in which case the situation would not typically be considered teen pregnancy even though the woman is still within her teenage years. The problems faced both by the pregnant teen and her child are almost always social, not physical, so long as the mother is healthy and her body can sustain childbirth.

The symptoms of adolescent pregnancy are the same as any other pregnancy and may include missed periods, nausea, and changes in weight. Some adolescents do not understand or recognize the signs of pregnancy or may attempt to hide these signs from others. For the health of the child, it is important for pregnant adolescents to seek medical attention. Whether or not the fetus is terminated, the teen will almost certainly need medical assistance when dealing with the pregnancy.

Children born out of adolescent pregnancy are more likely to experience social problems such as going to jail, doing drugs, or becoming teen parents. Infants born to teenagers do frequently have physical problems, but these are often due a mother's reckless behavior. Low birth weight is common in infants born to teenagers as well. A child born to teen parents is more likely to die within a year of life than a child born to adult parents, but this is not always owing to health.

Teenagers who become pregnant do not necessarily experience negative social or physical effects as a result of the pregnancy, but pregnancy in teenagers is highly correlated with these negative qualities. For instance, teen mothers frequently do not finish high school and rely on funds provided by others to live. They also often have a second child within their teenage years. Many teen mothers use drugs, engage in risky behavior, or go to jail. Teens who become pregnant but do not carry the pregnancy to term may not have these problems, but they may experience depression due to the trauma of an abortion.

Many people consider education about sex and contraception the best way to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Understanding how to use contraception, knowing about the potential consequences of having sex, and having the confidence to decline unwanted sexual interactions can all help prevent pregnancy. Sexual education, if taught effectively, can provide these benefits. On the other hand, the only sure way to prevent pregnancy is to practice abstinence and refrain from sex altogether. Either way, adult supervision and parental communication can help keep adolescents from becoming pregnant by providing good role models.