Adolescent Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a female under the age of 20.

Worldwide, pregnancy complications are the leading cause of death for women and girls 15 to 19 years old.

The definition of teenage pregnancy includes those who are legally considered adults in their country. 

The World Health Organization defines adolescence as the period between the ages of 10 and 19 years.

Pregnancy can occur with sexual intercourse after the start of ovulation, which can happen before the first menstrual period (menarche). In healthy, well-nourished girls, the first period usually takes place between the ages of 12 and 13.

Pregnant teenagers face many of the same pregnancy-related issues as older women.

Teenagers are more likely to experience pregnancy complications or maternal deaththan women aged 20 or older. 

There are additional concerns for those under the age of 15 as they are less likely to be physically developed to sustain a healthy pregnancy or to give birth. 

For girls aged 15–19, risks are associated more with socioeconomicfactors than with the biological effects of age.

Risks of low birth weight, premature labor, anemia, and pre-eclampsia are not connected to biological age by the time a girl is 16, as they are not observed in births to older teens after controlling for other risk factors, such as access to high-quality prenatal care.

Teenage pregnancies are related to social issues, including lower educational levels and poverty.

Teenage pregnancy in developed countries is usually outside of marriage and is often associated with a social stigma.

Teenage pregnancy in developing countries often occurs within marriage and approximately half are planned.

However, in these societies, early pregnancy may combine with malnutrition and poor health care to cause medical problems. 

When used in combination, educational interventions and access to birth control can reduce unintended teenage pregnancies.

In 2023, globally, about 41 females per 1,000 gave birth between the ages of 15 and 19, compared with roughly 65 births per 1,000 in 2000.

From 2015 to 2021, an estimated 14 percent of adolescent girls and young women globally reported giving birth before age 18.

The adolescent birth rate is higher in lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC), compared to higher- income countries. In the developing world, approximately 2.5 million females aged 15 to 19 years old have children each year. 

Another 3.9 million have abortions. It is more common in rural than urban areas.

In 2021, 13.3 million babies, or about 10 percent of the total worldwide, were born to mothers under 20 years old.

From Encyclopedia