According to Mayor
(2014), teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in females under the age of 20. A female can
become pregnant from sexual intercourse after she has begun to ovulate, which can be before her first menstrual period (menarche) but usually occurs after the onset
of her periods. In well-nourished females, menarche usually takes place around
the age of 12 or 13.
(2014), teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in females under the age of 20. A female can
become pregnant from sexual intercourse after she has begun to ovulate, which can be before her first menstrual period (menarche) but usually occurs after the onset
of her periods. In well-nourished females, menarche usually takes place around
the age of 12 or 13.
Pregnant teenagers face many of the same
pregnancy related issues as other women. There are, however, additional
concerns for those under 15 of age as they are less likely to be physically
developed enough to sustain a healthy pregnancy or to give birth. For girls
aged 15–19 risks are associated more with socioeconomic factors than with the biological effects of
age. Risks of low birth weight, premature labour, anaemia, and pre-eclampsia are connected to the biological age, being observed in teen births even after
controlling for other risk factors such as accessing prenatal care etc. (Abalkail, 2015).
pregnancy related issues as other women. There are, however, additional
concerns for those under 15 of age as they are less likely to be physically
developed enough to sustain a healthy pregnancy or to give birth. For girls
aged 15–19 risks are associated more with socioeconomic factors than with the biological effects of
age. Risks of low birth weight, premature labour, anaemia, and pre-eclampsia are connected to the biological age, being observed in teen births even after
controlling for other risk factors such as accessing prenatal care etc. (Abalkail, 2015).
Teenage pregnancies are associated with social issues, including lower educational levels, poverty, and other negative life outcomes in children
of teenage mothers. Teenage pregnancy which is usually outside of marriage carries a social stigma in many communities and cultures.
of teenage mothers. Teenage pregnancy which is usually outside of marriage carries a social stigma in many communities and cultures.
According to the United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA](2013), pregnancies among girls less than 18
years of age have irreparable consequences. It violates the rights of girls,
with life-threatening consequences in terms of sexual and reproductive health,
and poses high development costs for communities, particularly in perpetuating
the cycle of poverty. Health consequences include not yet being physically
ready for pregnancy and childbirth leading to complications and malnutrition as
the majority of adolescents tend to come from lower-income households. The risk
of maternal death for girls under age 15 in low and middle income countries is
higher than for women in their twenties. Teenage pregnancy also affects girls’
education and income potential as many are forced to drop out of school which
ultimately threatens future opportunities and economic prospects (Hofferth,
Reid and Mott, 2011).
years of age have irreparable consequences. It violates the rights of girls,
with life-threatening consequences in terms of sexual and reproductive health,
and poses high development costs for communities, particularly in perpetuating
the cycle of poverty. Health consequences include not yet being physically
ready for pregnancy and childbirth leading to complications and malnutrition as
the majority of adolescents tend to come from lower-income households. The risk
of maternal death for girls under age 15 in low and middle income countries is
higher than for women in their twenties. Teenage pregnancy also affects girls’
education and income potential as many are forced to drop out of school which
ultimately threatens future opportunities and economic prospects (Hofferth,
Reid and Mott, 2011).
