Teenage pregnancy can have important physical, emotional, social and educational consequences for both the mother and her baby.

It is important to recognise that not all of these outcomes are caused by young maternal age alone. Poverty, educational disadvantage, family circumstances and limited access to healthcare can also play an important role. In many cases, biological and social factors overlap.

Health Effects on Teenage Mothers

Compared with women in their twenties, teenage mothers may have a higher risk of:

• anaemia

• high blood pressure during pregnancy

• pre-eclampsia

• inadequate weight gain during pregnancy

• preterm labour

• postpartum depression

• lower rates of breastfeeding

• repeat unintended pregnancy

The risks tend to be higher among mothers younger than 16 years.

Mental Health

Teenage mothers may also experience higher rates of:

• depression

• anxiety

• suicidal thoughts

• substance misuse

• intimate partner violence

• social isolation

Postpartum depression is particularly important to recognise. Studies have reported rates of approximately 25–50% among teenage mothers, although estimates vary between studies and populations.

Early support for mental health can be important for both the young mother and her baby.

Education and Social Outcomes

Becoming a parent during adolescence can make it more difficult to continue education and establish financial independence. Teenage mothers are more likely to experience:

• leaving school early

• lower educational attainment

• unemployment

• lower lifetime income

• financial dependence

• single parenthood

However, socioeconomic disadvantage often exists before the pregnancy. The challenges faced by teenage mothers therefore cannot always be attributed to teenage pregnancy itself.

Support with education, employment, childcare and family circumstances can make an important difference to longer-term outcomes.

Health Effects on Babies

Babies born to teenage mothers have higher rates of some pregnancy and newborn complications, including:

• premature birth

• low birth weight

• being small for gestational age

• complications around the time of birth

• neonatal death

• infant death

The greatest biological risks tend to occur among babies born to mothers younger than 16 years.

Development and Mental Health of Children

Children born to teenage mothers have been found in some studies to have higher rates of:

• developmental delays

• difficulties at school

• behavioural problems

• emotional difficulties

• lower educational attainment

• becoming teenage parents themselves

• childhood poverty

However, these outcomes are strongly influenced by family and social circumstances. Factors such as family income, parental education and family stability can account for much of the difference seen between children of teenage and older mothers.

Research has also reported higher rates of attention difficulties, conduct problems and emotional disorders among some children of teenage mothers. These associations become weaker when socioeconomic and family factors are taken into account, suggesting that social circumstances may play a significant role.

Support for Teenage Mothers

Teenage pregnancy can be challenging, but young mothers do not have to face it alone. Confidential support is available for teenagers and young women who are pregnant, unsure about their options or need help with parenting and practical matters.

Where Can You Get Help?

• Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support Ltd
  For pregnant teenagers and young women up to 21 years old. Provides a 24-hour helpline, pregnancy options counselling, case management, emotional and practical support, parenting education, and assistance with education and employment.

• Pregnancy Crisis & Support – Catholic Family Life
  Provides confidential pregnancy counselling, discussion of pregnancy options, emotional support, referrals, practical assistance and post-abortion counselling.

• Rachel's Vineyard
  Provides confidential and supportive counselling for women and men who are experiencing emotional difficulties following an abortion.

• aLife Ltd
  Provides pregnancy counselling, parenting support, adoption information, financial assistance and links to community resources.

• Safe Place – Lakeside Family Services
  Provides temporary residential accommodation, counselling, case management, parenting support and assistance with transitioning to independent living for unsupported pregnant women and mothers with newborns.

You Are Not Alone

If you are a teenager facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may feel worried, confused or unsure about what to do next. Seeking support early can help you understand your options and make decisions with appropriate emotional, practical and professional support.