Teen pregnancy continues to be a problem around the world, despite lower teen pregnancy rates. There are health risks specific to teen pregnancy that pregnant teens and parents should discuss with the doctor or midwife. In addition, teen mothers need to be educated about the risks and the importance of nutrition and prenatal care.
According to the March of Dimes, teens are at a higher risk of preterm birth, compared to older mothers. The March of Dimes reports that between the years of 2002 to 2004, the preterm birth rate for women 20-29 years old was 11.7 percent. For women under 20, the rate of preterm birth was 14.3 percent.
There are several factors that are thought to contribute to the higher rate of preterm births among pregnant teens. One is lack of access to health care. Teens tend to get spotty or late prenatal care. Reasons for this include the tendency for teens to conceal the pregnancy for several months before telling their parents and a lack of health insurance.
In addition, teens may have unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits, compared to older mothers. The March of Dimes reports that teen mothers are more likely to smoke than mothers in their twenties or thirties. Smoking greatly increases preterm birth and complications in pregnancy that lead to preterm birth.
Teen mothers may not be as focused on health, exercise and nutrition compared with older mothers. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important for healthy weight gain and reduces the risk of complications such as pre eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
The problem may be a lack of education. Pregnant teens need to be directed to the information and resources needed to reduce the health risks to the mother and baby that can result from spotty prenatal care and preterm birth. This would include information about resources for uninsured women and assistance with food to ensure proper nutrition.
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