Teenage pregnancy is a major issue in Nepal. Early pregnancy is dangerous for adolescents and their infants. We have listed nine consequences in this article.

1. Increased risk of health complications
Having a baby when you’re still a teenager can make it more likely for you to face serious health problems during pregnancy and labor. These can include conditions like pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and difficulties during labor. Pre-eclampsia involves high blood pressure that can damage vital organs like the liver and kidneys. If it gets really bad, it can turn into eclampsia, which includes seizures.

2. Low birth weight and prematurity
Having a baby too early can make the baby weigh less and be born too soon, which can cause problems and health issues for the newborn.

3. Complications during pregnancy and delivery:
When teenagers become mothers, they are at a higher risk of facing difficulties during pregnancy and giving birth, such as hemorrhage, infection, and prolonged labor2.

  • Haemorrhage: This term refers to heavy bleeding. During childbirth, it can happen and if there’s excessive bleeding, it can be risky for both the mother and the baby.
  • Infection: In the context of pregnancy and childbirth, infection means the entry of harmful bacteria/viruses that can cause illness.
  • Prolonged Labour: Prolonged labour means that the process of giving birth takes longer than usual. This can be physically exhausting and may increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.

4. Health problems for the child
Children born to teenage mothers have a higher chance of being smaller than other children, dealing with difficulties during pregnancy and birth, and experiencing health problems right around the time they’re born 2.

5. Greater risk of perinatal death
Perinatal death is the death of an unborn baby or a young child in the first week of life. Early pregnancy increases the risk of perinatal death, including birth trauma and consequences of being born preterm2.

6. Lower IQ and academic achievement
Children of teenage mothers are more likely to have lower IQs and face academic challenges, including repeating a grade2.

7. Greater risk of socio-emotional problems
Early pregnancy can lead to socio-emotional problems in children, affecting their development and well-being2.

8. Increased risk of fatal accidents:
Children of teenage mothers are at a higher risk of having fatal accidents due to their underdeveloped physical and cognitive abilities2.

9. Intergenerational cycle
Children of adolescent mothers are more likely to have their own children at a young age, continuing the cycle of early pregnancy and its associated health risks. Early pregnancy can bring a lot of challenges. It might impact your education, career goals, and your own well-being. Stay informed, stay empowered.