Teenage Pregnancy

Most teenagers don't plan to get pregnant, but many do. Teen pregnancies carry extra health risks to the mother and the baby. Often, teenagers don't receive timely prenatal care, and they have a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure and its complications. Risks for the baby include premature birth and a low birthweight.

If you're a pregnant teenager, you can help yourself and your baby by

• Taking your prenatal vitamins for your health and to prevent some birth defects
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs
• Using a condom, if you are still having sex, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases that could hurt your baby