Teen pregnancy, sometimes called teen pregnancy, is generally considered a pregnancy in a woman under the age of 19. Most commonly, teen pregnancy is the term used for pregnancy at an age when pregnancy is considered inappropriate due to the woman's youth. In some cultures, it is considered appropriate for an 18-year-old woman to become pregnant, in which case the situation would not typically be considered a teen pregnancy even though the woman is still in her teens. The problems faced by both the pregnant adolescent and her child are almost always social, not physical, as long as the mother is healthy and her body can support the birth.
The symptoms of teen pregnancy are the same as any other pregnancy and can include missed periods, nausea, and weight changes. Some teens do not understand or recognize the signs of pregnancy or may try to hide these signs from others. For the health of the child, it is important that pregnant adolescents seek medical attention. Whether or not the fetus is terminated, the teen will almost certainly need medical assistance to deal with the pregnancy.
Children born to teen pregnancy are more likely to experience social problems such as going to jail, using drugs, or becoming teen parents. Babies born to teenagers often have physical problems, but these are often due to a mother's reckless behavior. Low birth weight is also common in babies born to teenagers. A child born to teenage parents is more likely to die within a year of life than a child born to adult parents, but this is not always due to health.
Teens who become pregnant do not necessarily experience negative social or physical effects as a result of pregnancy, but teen pregnancy is highly correlated with these negative qualities. For example, teen mothers often do not finish high school and depend on funds provided by others to live. They also often have a second child in their teens. Many teen mothers use drugs, engage in risky behavior, or go to jail. Teenagers who become pregnant but do not carry the pregnancy to term may not have these problems, but may experience depression due to the trauma of an abortion.
Many people consider education about sex and contraception to be the best way to prevent teen pregnancy. Understanding how to use contraception, knowing the possible consequences of having sex, and having the confidence to reject unwanted sexual interactions can help prevent pregnancy. Sex education, if taught effectively, can provide these benefits. On the other hand, the only sure way to prevent pregnancy is to practice abstinence and abstain from sexual intercourse altogether. Either way, adult supervision and communication with parents can help prevent teens from getting pregnant by providing good role models.