What Are The Statistics Of Teen Pregnancy?

Teen pregnancy statistics have actually been declining in the last decade and a half, at least in the United States. In fact, the rate of teenage births has fallen by almost a third since 1991. Still, teen birth rates are higher in the U.S. when compared with many other developed countries. Almost 1 in three girls in the U.S. will become pregnant before they are the age of 20.

In terms of actual numbers, around 11% of all births in the United States each year are to teenage mothers. The vast majority of these (almost 70%) were to girls that were ages 18 and 19. That means that less than 5% of births were to mothers who were 17 and younger. Each year, around 860,000 teenagers become pregnant. Around half of these give birth.

Statistically, there are risks to teens giving births. Teen mothers are twice as likely to wind up giving birth to a premature baby. A premature baby is defined as a baby born earlier than the 37th week of pregnancy. A premature baby is at risk for a variety of health problems, including long-term disabilities and even death.

Even if the baby is not premature, teen mothers are at a slightly increased risk of having a low-birthweight baby. The younger the mother, the higher this risk. Low-birthweight babies are at a risk for a variety of conditions, including brain problems, respiratory problems, and intestinal problems. In fact, low birthweight babies are twenty times as likely to die in their first year of life as a normal weight baby.

Teen mothers are more likely than older mothers to have lifestyle risks that can negatively affect their pregnancy. For example, 18% of pregnant teen girls smoke, whereas only around 12% of older pregnant women smoke. Pregnant teens are twice as likely to receive no prenatal care whatsoever. Teens are at a higher risk of STDs, which can affect both infant and mother.

Teens that become pregnant can reduce some of the risks involved in their pregnancy by getting regular prenatal care, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, and quitting smoking, drinking, or use of illicit drugs.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.