THE CONSEQUENCES OF EARLY PREGNANCY

Girls who become pregnant at an early age are at greater risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. Pregnancy during the first years after puberty increases the risk of miscarriage, labor obstruction, postpartum hemorrhage, pregnancy-related hypertension and life-long debilitating conditions, such as obstetric fistula. Having very young children also means that women and girls are more vulnerable to other negative results for maternal health due to frequent deliveries, unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

Babies born to adolescent mothers are more likely to be born dead, premature or underweight and are at greater risk of dying in childhood, due to the mother’s young age. This risk is aggravated by the lack of access to information and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.