What is this Condition?

In the United States, an estimated 1 million adolescents become pregnant each year. Because up to 70% of them don’t receive adequate prenatal care, and some are drug-dependent as well, they are apt to develop special problems, such as anemia and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and their pregnancies are more likely to result in death of the fetus or infant. Surviving infants are more likely to be premature or weigh very little at birth; be at high risk for birth injuries, childhood illness, and retardation or other neurologic defects; and to die soon after birth. As a rule, the younger the mother, the greater the health risk for both mother and infant. Adolescents account for one­third of all abortions performed in the United States.

What Causes it?

Adolescent pregnancy occurs at all socioeconomic levels. Contributing factors include ignorance about sexuality and contraception, precocious sexual activity, rebellion against parental influence, and a desire to escape an unhappy family situation and to fulfill emotional needs un met by the family.

What are its Symptoms?

The pregnant adolescent experiences the same symptoms as an adult: absence of menstruation, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and fatigue. However, she is much more likely to develop complications. such as poor weight gain, premature labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature placental detachment, and toxemia of pregnancy (preeclampsia). Her infant is more likely to be of low birth weight.

How is it Diagnosed?

A pregnancy test showing human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood or urine and a pelvic exam confirm pregnancy. Ultrasound and other tests can detect fetal heart sounds and assess the fetus’s gestational age.

How is it Treated?

The pregnant adolescent requires the same prenatal care as an adult. However, she also needs psychological support and close observation for signs of complications.

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