What Is Teenage Pregnancy?

Get the facts on teenage pregnancy - how common it is, prevention, and how teenage mothers can have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

*Health information sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. co-pay.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.

Most teenage girls don't plan to get pregnant, but many do. Teen pregnancies carry extra health risks to both the mother and the baby. Often, teens don't get prenatal care soon enough, which can lead to problems later on. They have a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure and its complications. Risks for the baby include premature birth and a low birth weight.

If you're a pregnant teen, you can help yourself and your baby by:

Getting regular prenatal care
Taking your prenatal vitamins for your health and to prevent some birth defects
Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs
Using a condom, if you are having sex, to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that could hurt your baby. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.

What Is Teenage Pregnancy?

Get the facts on Teenage Pregnancy.