Teenage pregnancy

Abstract

More liberal teenage behavior has made pregnancy in this age group an important issue. Live births to adolescent mothers have decreased, while therapeutic abortions for this age group have increased by 27.9% in Canada. The obstetrical and psychosocial risks of the pregnant teenager are related more to inadequate care than to her age. There is a higher perinatal mortality rate among infants born of teenaged mothers. Risk of abuse, neglect, or developmental delay is mitigated by family and societal support. Management of the pregnant adolescent is multi-faceted. She needs nutritional counselling, optimal antenatal and obstetrical care, and access to continuing education or job training. After the child is born, follow up should be directed towards health care, nutrition, education, employment, financial counselling or support, and family and community support.