While there is the risk of complications in any pregnancy, teen pregnancy poses higher risks. These problems affect both mother and child, but many are completely preventable. The cause of these risks range from biological (a lack of development of the mother’s body) to social (stigma, which keeps mothers from seeking medical care). Here’s a look at some of the most common health issues present during teen pregnancy.
No Prenatal Care
Pregnant teens are less likely to seek out appropriate prenatal care than their adult counterparts—especially if they’re trying to hide the pregnancy from their parents. Not seeking out this absolutely necessary medical intervention puts both the mother and child at risk for health complications. According to statistics from the American Medical Association, children who do not receive prenatal care are four times more likely to die before their first birthday.
Low Birth Weight
Low birth weight is a pressing problem facing children born from teen pregnancies. Young mothers are more likely miss out on prenatal care and nutritional advice from their doctors, making low birth weight a widespread problem. Fortunately, with the proper attention, this is a completely preventable risk.
Hypertension
Pregnancy puts lots of extra stress on a teenager’s developing cardiovascular system, which can lead to a rise in blood pressure known as pregnancy-induced hypertension. Hypertension can keep the fetus from receiving adequate blood flow, which may lead to birth defects. Hypertension also puts the mother’s health at risk as well. However, this condition can be managed with medication and regular doctor visits.
Anemia
Similar to hypertension, anemia can be caused by the increased demands on a teen mother’s cardiovascular system. This condition, which is marked by low levels of iron in the blood, can lead to complications such as postpartum depression, low birth weight, or passing anemia onto the child.
Premature Birth
Complications with teen pregnancy, such as hypertension and anemia, can lead to premature birth. In fact, some studies have shown that teenager mothers are 93% more likely to give birth early than their adult counterparts. Babies born before 37 weeks are at risk of developmental defects of the brain and heart and have an increased chance of dying from sudden infant death syndrome.
