Teen Pregnancy

[Page 1005]Adolescent pregnancy in the United States is a complex issue affecting youth, families, health care professionals, and the general population. Although currently on the decline in the United States (U.S. Vital Statistics data indicate that the overall adolescent pregnancy rate in 2004 was the lowest since 1976), rates are estimated to still be at least twice that observed in Europe and Canada. For a teen, pregnancy occurs when her physical development and developmental tasks of adolescence are not complete. As a result of this immaturity and often coexistent social disadvantages, teen parents are likely to face multiple barriers related to pregnancy and childrearing. The entry focuses on the various factors associated with teen pregnancy, especially the care of the teen mother and her child.