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Teenage Pregnancy
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancies carry unique health risks for both mother and baby, making early and consistent prenatal care essential for a healthy outcome.

Most teenage girls do not plan to get pregnant, but many do. Teen pregnancies carry extra health risks to both the mother and the baby. Often, teens do not 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.

Management and Precautions

If you are 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

balanced diet rich in leafy greens, lean protein, whole grains, and dairy provides iron, calcium, and protein. Daily prenatal vitamins with at least 400 µg folic acid, 27 mg iron, and 1,000 mg calcium are recommended. Avoid raw or undercooked eggs, unpasteurized dairy, and limit caffeine to less than 200 mg per day.
Use condoms consistently, even if the partner is monogamous, to reduce STI risk. Get screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis at the first visit and repeat testing in the third trimester. Vaccinations for hepatitis B and HPV should be updated before or during pregnancy if needed.===
Teenagers have a higher likelihood of developing pregnancy‑related hypertension, anemia, and preterm labor. Regular blood pressure checks, complete blood counts, and urine protein tests every 4–6 weeks help catch these problems early. If blood pressure rises above 140/90 mmHg, the provider may start antihypertensive therapy and increase monitoring.
The first prenatal visit should happen as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, ideally in the first trimester. Early care allows for timely screening for anemia, gestational diabetes, and hypertension, and gives the provider a chance to start folic acid and iron supplementation before the baby’s major organs form, reducing the risk of birth defects and low birth weight.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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