Teenage pregnancy problems

Low birth weight and premature birth, can be exacerbated by lack of antenatal care. As a consequence serious long-term health issues can affect such low birth weight, premature babies. This then can mean a greater infant need, with an accompanying rise in maternal stress, together with emotional and financial burdens adding their effects on the new, unprepared and quite often unhealthy young mother.

Compared to pregnancy in older women, teenage pregnancy tends to be associated with an increased risk of poor social and economic outcomes for both the mother and child. There is a higher risk of experiencing adverse health problems.

In many cases the Welfare State and local Council Housing Associations can help. Other child and mother agencies are all working together under the guidance of Health and Social Workers. They have been mobilised by the medical services who take care of the teenage mother and her baby. There are also voluntary organisations that provide advice and support for young families under stress.

Brook Advisory Centres (tel 0800 0185 023). Offer young people advice, counselling and medical help on contraception, pregnancy, abortion and sexual health.
Young Peoples Information Line 0800 0185023
British Pregnancy Advisory Service (0845 730 4030) Offers information and counselling on pregnancy, abortion and infertility.