User:Mr. Ibrahem/Teenage pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a female under the age of 20. Pregnancy can occur with sexual intercourse after the start of ovulation, which can be before the first menstrual period (menarche). In well-nourished girls, periods usually start around the age of 12 or 13 while in low income countries onset is typically slightly later around 14.

There is a higher risk of eclampsia, anemia of pregnancy, preterm birth, postpartum infection, obstetric fistula, and stillbirth. Complications of pregnancy are a leading cause of deaths in 15 to 19 year old girls. In those under the age of 15 the risk of maternal death may be fives times greater. While not having sex has resulted in lower rates in the United States, abstinence education programs are not effective.

Teenage pregnancies are associated with lower education and poverty. Other risks include child marriage, lack of access to birth control, living in foster care, substance misuse, religion, and sexual abuse. When used in combination, educational interventions and access to birth control reduce unintended teenage pregnancies.

About 20% of teenagers have children. In 2023 alone, 43 females per 1,000 had children well under the age of 20. Rates are higher in Africa at 97 and lower in Europe at 13 per 1,000. Rates have been declined in the United States since 1990. In the developing world about 21 million 15 to 19 year olds get pregnant and 12 million have children each year. Another 6 million have abortions, many of which are unsafe. Other negative effects for the mother can include social stigma, financial problems, and stopping education.