Infants born to young teenage mothers are more likely to be of low birthweight; stillborn, or to die in the neonatal period than other infants. However, these risks were not increased in 1 study that controlled for the effects of parity, marital status, and social class. If is is accepted that higher risk noted in adolescent pregnancy stems from avoidable social and environmental conditions, rather than biological factors, then adolescent pregnancy programs may be effective in improving adolescents' reproductive outcomes. The National Health and Medical Research Council has made a number of recommendations relating to adolescents and pregnancy, including the promotion of access to family planning information and advice for sexually active teenagers, the promotion of postgraduate health education training programs, and hospital antenatal department review of their approach to pregnant teenagers. Comprehensive medical, social, and educational services before and after birth for young mothers and their infants have been demonstrated to be cost effective, resulting in a decreased incidence of pernatal problems, fewer postnatal clinic and hospital visits, and markedly fewer pregancies in the subsequent 1-2 years. Adequate social and emotional support is also needed to help young mothers manage the concurrent psychological task of adolescence and parenthood.

作者：F, Stanley；S, Robertson

来源：The Medical journal of Australia 1984 年 141卷 3期