The young pregnant teenager--why the poor outcome?

Studies have repeatedly emphasised the poor obstetric outcome in teenage pregnancies. This study examined 444 teenagers of 16 years and under and demonstrated little difference in the outcome between 14 years and under group and 15 to 16 year old. The poor pregnancy outcome, however, was predominantly related to the adequacy of antenatal care. The discussion emphasises the point that teenage pregnancy is not primarily a medical problem and much effort is required to create an awareness so that prenatal care is both accessible and acceptable to the pregnant teenager.