The adolescent pregnancy

Brenda Dawley M.D.

Why high –risk?  Unplanned  Unwanted  Substance abuse

 Lack prenatal care  Increased risk certain pregnancy complications

Unplanned  78% pregnancies for age 15-19 unplanned  In 2000, 30% teen pregnancies end in elective

termination of pregnancy  Up to 42% will have repeat pregnancy within 24 months  Higher risk if drops out of school after first pregnancy

CDC Births: prelim data 2006, national vital statistics report 2007

Delay in prenatal care  Denial to themselves and health care workers 