Adolescent Pregnancy

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Adolescent Pregnancy Treatment

Review pregnancy options thoroughly and make them known and available to pregnant teens. Abortion is a potential option, but states vary regarding an unmarried adolescent's ability to legally obtain this means of terminating a pregnancy without parental consent.

In the case of married teens, consent of the husband may be required. Giving up infants for adoption after delivery is another option, but the majority of pregnant teens choose to continue their pregnancies and keep their infants.

Early and adequate prenatal care, preferably through a program that specializes in teenage pregnancies, ensures a healthier baby. Smoking, alcohol use, and drug abuse should be strongly discouraged, and support methods should be offered to assist the pregnant teen in terminating such behaviors.

Adequate nutrition must be assured through both education and the availability of community resources. Appropriate exercise and adequate sleep should also be emphasized. Contraceptive information and services are important, following delivery, to deter adolescents from becoming pregnant again.

Pregnant teens and those who have recently given birth should be encouraged and helped to remain in school or reentering educational programs targeting skills that will enable them to provide for their child financially, emotionally, and with appropriate parenting. Accessible and affordable child care is an important factor in teen mothers continuing school and/or entering the work force.