The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:3:153-158
doi: 10.1576/toag.9.3.153.27334
Copyright © 2007 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Management of teenage pregnancy
Richard P Horgan, MRCOG MRCPI, Clinical Research Fellow1 and
Louise Clare Kenny, PhD MRCOG, Senior Lecturer/Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist2
1. Cork University Maternity Hospital Wilton, Cork, Republic of Ireland Email: richard.horgan{at}ucc.ie (corresponding author)
2. Cork University Maternity Hospital Republic of Ireland
Key content:
- The United Kingdom has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Western Europe.
- Risk factors include socioeconomic deprivation, low educational achievement and having teenage parents.
- Adverse outcomes associated with teenage pregnancy include premature delivery, infants being small for gestational age, low birthweight and increased neonatal mortality.
- Associated risks include high rates of sexually transmitted infections, alcohol and substance misuse, smoking and poor diet.
- Attendance at antenatal care is generally poor and teenagers may present late, therefore, it is important to tailor care to their individual needs.
Learning objectives:
- To learn about current guidance and policies.
- To know about the risk factors for teenage pregnancy, adverse outcomes and associated risks.
- To learn about the management of teenage pregnancy with particular reference to prevention.
Ethical issues:
- When is it necessary to obtain parental consent for termination of pregnancy or to prescribe contraception in girls aged less than 16 years of age?
- Why do some teenagers see pregnancy as a positive life event?
Please cite this article as: Horgan RP, Kenny LC. Management of teenage pregnancy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:153–158.
Keywords adolescents / management / pregnancy / teenage
Copyright © 2007 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
