Articles
Teenage pregnancy: Helping your teen cope
Understand the health risks
Content
Provide support
Discuss the options
Promote proper prenatal care
Prepare for the future
Understand the health risks
Pregnant teens and their babies are at higher risk of health problems than are pregnant women who are older. The most common complications for pregnant teens — especially those younger than age 15 and those who don't receive prenatal care — include a low level of iron in the blood (anemia), high blood pressure and preterm labor.
Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to be born prematurely and have a low birth weight.