106 Topics about Teenage Pregnancy Essay Examples, & Tips

Want to know how to write an essay about teenage pregnancy? This issue is very hot, sensitive, and controversial. Numerous articles and researches focus on its causes and effects.

❗ Teenage Pregnancy Essay: How to Write?

🏆 top 10 topics about teenage pregnancy, 🥇 best teenage pregnancy essay examples & topic ideas, 📌 interesting teenage pregnancy research paper topics, 👍 good research topics about teenage pregnancy, ❓ research questions on teenage pregnancy.

We’ve collected a list of topics about teenage pregnancy, as well as a number of tips on outlining your essay, writing an introduction, and formulating a teenage pregnancy thesis statement. Get inspired with us!

Whether approaching the subject from a demographic or medical point of view, the interest in a teenage pregnancy essay heavily roots itself in the issues of today.

With a multitude of topics dealing with different sides, from mothers and children to the government, creating a unique essay that will get you a good grade is a matter of adequately constructing your argument.

  • Choose a single theme that you will address. All teenage pregnancy essay topics center on one problem but concern themselves with different facets of it. Thus, you have to decide whether you want to write about government-supported methods of pregnancy prevention or the repercussions of an increase in the number of teenage mothers.
  • Carry out your research process and compile your findings into a bibliography. You should use book and journal titles to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of the issue, properly referencing your sources within your paper when you use them. The more you understand your chosen problem from the viewpoint of different researchers and their studies, the more you can hope to write a comprehensive essay.
  • Write an outline. By doing so, with or without using topic sentences, you can see how many sub-themes you touch upon and how inclusive your work is. This action will help you save time by writing and rewording the better part of your paper, as you will see potential structural issues early on.
  • Construct a title. As the first thing a potential reader sees, it should be both engaging and thought-provoking. However, teenage pregnancy essay titles should grab their readers’ attention without a shock factor, intriguing them with information but not demeaning their topic. Regardless of your opinion regarding the issue, remember that you are writing about living people who deserve fair treatment.

You should draft your paper traditionally with an introduction, body, and conclusion. You can start your first paragraph with an interesting fact or statistical number to gain your audience’s attention. However, do not forget to write a thesis statement, as well as a hook.

Your introduction and conclusion should reflect each other, and that may become possible only if your first paragraph gives your reader an idea of what your stance is and what you plan to achieve in your paper. Without a thesis, you can neither expect readers to get interested in your work nor write an excellent conclusion yourself.

Understand what your teenage pregnancy essay body needs, and include only information that will help you advance your main argument.

For example, if you are writing a paper from a sociology studies perspective, then you may see that you may gain an advantage by writing from a statistical or socioeconomic perspective.

Remove any sentences that do not link to your thesis statement, directly or indirectly. Your central argument should be pivotal to your paper, as exciting as the various facts that you find may be.

Superb structure comes from reading up on even better examples. You can easily find a teenage pregnancy essay example or two and use them to get inspired. Do not forget to assess these sample papers on technique and information included, gauging which methods you can uplift into your own work.

However, remember that you cannot and should not plagiarize, as copying and pasting information is an academic offense. Safeguard your paper’s grade by remaining academically honest.

Teenage Pregnancy Thesis Statement

Early pregnancies remain one of the most acute social problems in the world. Still, formulating a teenage pregnancy thesis statement might be a challenge. To make it easier for you, we’ve prepared some examples.

  • The complications associated with early pregnancies are the main cause of death for 15-19-year-old girls in the world; therefore, the problem of teenage pregnancy needs to be addressed on the governmental level worldwide.
  • Teenage pregnancies have severe health, social, and economic implications both in developed and developing countries.
  • Sex education in schools is the best way to prevent early pregnancies.
  • Reducing social pressure on girls to marry and bear children early is the best way to lower the levels of teenage pregnancies in the least developed countries.

Are you still confused by your assignment? Let IvyPanda help you with any topic!

  • Teenage pregnancies in developed countries
  • How to prevent teenage pregnancies?
  • Adolescent pregnancies in various regions of the world
  • Teenage pregnancy as a cause of death
  • Early pregnancies and health consequences
  • Early childbearing and severe neonatal conditions
  • Social and economic effects of teenage pregnancies
  • Adolescent pregnancies in developing countries
  • Causes and effects of teenage pregnancy
  • Sex education as a way to prevent early pregnancies
  • Teenage Pregnancy Causes and Effects In addition to this, the modern society allows the teenagers to have a lot of time and space with the opposite sex on their own, which results to instances of pregnancy at teenage hood.
  • Teenage Pregnancy Concept and Problems This becomes potentially dangerous to the teenage girls due to the lack of prenatal care and the fact that her body is not fully developed to carry a pregnancy.
  • Teen Pregnancy: Causes, Effects and Prevention Teenage pregnancy is the pregnancy of underage girls during their adolescent period, normally between the ages of 13 to 19 but this range varies depending on the age of the menarche and the legal age […]
  • Teenage Pregnancy Major Causes and Solutions Thus, one of the manifest functions of the family is to be the meaningful unit which supports the accepted social order and is a support of the state.
  • Sex Education Role in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy In a bid to survive, the teens resort to prostitution as a means of earning a livelihood, which in turn leads to teenage pregnancies.
  • Positive Impacts of Sex Education on Teenage Pregnancies Failures of Sex Education in reducing teenage pregnancies According to the article by Stobbe, education has not achieved much in terms of helping students change their attitudes and behavior on sex and use of birth […]
  • Teenage Pregnancy and Abortion: Articles Evaluation The article highlights the importance of coming up with sexual health services and contraception methods, which are community-based for the benefit of the young people in a bid to counter the seemingly never-ending menace of […]
  • The Ways to Reduce Teenage Pregnancies Although teen pregnancy is an ongoing problem, it can be reduced with good education, parental support, and birth control Over the last couple of years, the United States of America has woken up to the […]
  • Teenage Pregnancy and Its Consequences to the Society The opportunities of mother and the child to build a future are further depleted by these risks. Education to the youthful teens would be a valuable tool to curb early pregnancies.
  • Increasing of Sex Education in Schools to Curb Teenage Pregnancy Increased sex education is important because it emphasizes on the need to abstain and use of contraceptives. It is therefore important to increase sex education in schools to avert cases of teenage pregnancies.
  • Social Aspects of Teenage Pregnancy In recent years, both in the USA and in European countries, the number of pregnant women among minors has been increasing due to a decrease in the age of sexual debut, an increase in sexual […]
  • Improving Health Care Delivery: Teenage Pregnancy Due to the absence of proper support, these young individuals lack timely prenatal care and skills to support their developing fetuses.
  • Teenage Pregnancies in California Socioeconomic position, teens’ surroundings, their family, and the number of resources accessible epitomize some of the teenage pregnancy causation. The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Program is a different initiative from the State of California […]
  • Teenage Pregnancy and Quality of Care Therefore, the most effective method of ensuring the quality of care, patient safety, and costs is conducting campaigns to prevent teenage pregnancies.
  • The National Campaign End Teenage Pregnancy in Ohio The dream of most parents is to ensure their children lead to a successful future which may be affected by the occurrence of unplanned teenage birth.
  • Teenage Pregnancy Problem and Decision-Making Tool The first option is the birth of a new person and the opportunity for the young mother to love and raise him.
  • Teenage Pregnancy in America The WHO says that many teenage pregnancies that end in birth often lead to poor emotional and physical health for the new mothers. The same research also reveals that increasing access to effective contraception is […]
  • Teenage Pregnancy in New Jersey This paper aims to address the issue of teenage pregnancy in New Jersey and identify the parties that influence young people’s decisions related to sexual behavior.
  • Teenage Pregnancy: Statistics, Factors, and Strategies One of the causes of the high levels in teen pregnancies is attributed to poverty and the social inequalities in both Britain and America.
  • The Problem of Teenage Pregnancy Marx, Fleur Hopper Faith-Based versus Fact-Based Social Policy: The Case of Teenage Pregnancy Prevention published in Social Work, Volume 50, 2005, is dedicated to the idea of teenage pregnancy in the United States.
  • Psychological Causes of Teenage Pregnancy They are not settled in their lives and are not able to bear the responsibility of a child. Abortion is also justified in the unfortunate event of teenage marriage and pregnancy.
  • Teenage Pregnancy Rates and Prevention Programs The purpose of this paper is to study the adolescent pregnancy rates in the US, identify the risk factors, list health and mental risks of teenage pregnancy, and find existing and other possible solutions to […]
  • Teenage Pregnancy, Abortion, and Sex Education According to, some individuals in the society particularly the religious ones see abortion as a vice affecting every corner of the world.
  • The Major Factors of Teenage Pregnancy Mooney, Knox, & Schacht, states that low self-esteem is often associated with abused children and are one of the factors that shape teenagers’ sexual behavioral patterns and lead to teen pregnancy.
  • Popular Culture and Teenage Pregnancy Among Americans This has been the case particularly in regards to the Western society of the early to the middle 20th century and the up-and-coming international normalcy of the late 20th and 21st century.
  • Teenage Pregnancy in the Modern World Teenage pregnancy rate in America is among the highest among the developed nations; although the teen pregnancy rate is said to be dropping in the past years in the developed world, in the US, rate […]
  • The Rise of Teenage Pregnancy Rates in the United States of America
  • Teenage Pregnancy: Keeping Healthy Relationships With All Involved
  • Children and the Issues of Teenage Pregnancy and Gangs
  • The Importance of Condom Distribution in Schools to Prevent the Rise of Teenage Pregnancy
  • The Misunderstanding of Contraceptives: The Rising Teenage Pregnancy Rates Around The Globe
  • Understanding Teenage Pregnancy in Society
  • Sexual Education: Teenage Pregnancy a Global View by Andrew Cherry
  • The Issue of Teenage Pregnancy in America and the Alternatives to Legal Abortion
  • Teenage Pregnancy and The Role of Health Professionals
  • Physical and Mental Effect of Teenage Pregnancy
  • The Failures of the Abstinence-Only Education to Curb Teenage Pregnancy in the United States
  • Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood as a Social Problem
  • Why Hollywood’s Perception of Teenage Pregnancy Is Flawed
  • Teenage Pregnancy and Adolescent Pregnancy
  • The Effect of Minimum Legal Drinking Age Restrictions on Teenage Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes
  • The Serious Issue of Teenage Pregnancy in America and the Reasons for the Rise of the Social Problem in the Country
  • The Relationship of Childhood Sexual Abuse to Teenage Pregnancy
  • The Cause and Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy in the United States
  • The Serious Issue of Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines and in Developed Countries Around the World
  • The Central Issues of Teenage Pregnancy and Out-Of-Wedlock Childbearing
  • The Social Problem of Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines
  • The Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on the Health Care System and Population Subgroups
  • Teenage Pregnancy and Parents Were Not Ready for Kids
  • Psychosocial Development and the Effects of Teenage Pregnancy
  • Teenage Pregnancy and the Role of the Fathers
  • The Issue of Teenage Pregnancy in Dysfunctional American Families
  • The Determinants of Teenage Pregnancy Using the Seedhouse
  • Relationship Between Delinquency and Teenage Pregnancy
  • The Introduction of Teenage Pregnancy in Frank Furstenberg’s Unplanned Parenthood
  • The Social Issue of Teenage Pregnancy in High Schools in America
  • Why Comprehensive Sex Education Can Help Prevent Teenage Pregnancy in Philadelphia
  • Teenage Pregnancy : Protecting Our Youth Through Abstinence
  • The Health Issues and Risk of Teenage Pregnancy in Philadelphia
  • The Effects of Teenage Pregnancy on Teenage Mothers
  • Teenage Pregnancy and Its Effect on Children
  • The Different Social Factors That Influence Teenage Pregnancy Among American Teenagers
  • The Significance of the Introduction of Birth Control for Teens to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy
  • The Socio-Economic Effects of Teenage Pregnancy on Girls in Secondary School
  • The Teenage Pregnancy Versus Parental Consent in Regards to Unwanted Abortion
  • The Issue of Sexual Activity Among Teenagers and Teenage Pregnancy in the United States
  • What Cultural Factors Contribute to the Spread of Teenage Pregnancy?
  • Why Does Reducing the Risk of Teen Pregnancy Matter?
  • What Are the Statistics on Teenage Pregnancy in the United States?
  • What Is the Incidence of Teenage Pregnancy Among Blacks and Hispanic Teens?
  • How Does Sex Education Affect Teen Pregnancy?
  • What Is the Role of the Media in Raising Awareness of the Social Issue of Teenage Pregnancy?
  • How Does Socioeconomic Status Affect Early Adolescent Pregnancy?
  • What Social and Personal Factors Affect Adolescent Pregnancy?
  • How Teenage Pregnancy Changes Lives Forever?
  • What Are the Causes and Effects of Teenage Pregnancy?
  • How Does Teen Pregnancy Affect Academic Performance?
  • What Caused the Teenage Pregnancy Epidemic?
  • How to Prevent Health Problems During Teenage Pregnancy?
  • What Can You Do to Reduce Teen Pregnancy Rates?
  • How Does Developing Gender Expression Affect Teen Pregnancy?
  • What Causes Social Isolation in Teen Pregnancy?
  • How to Prevent Stress and Depression in Teen Pregnancy?
  • What Are the Physical and Mental Implications of Teen Pregnancy?
  • How Teenage Pregnancy Stops Students From Finishing What They Started?
  • What Facts About Teen Pregnancy Should You Know?
  • How Can Teenage Pregnancy Be Prevented?
  • What Are the Implications of Teenage Pregnancy?
  • How Can Society Prevent and Avoid Unwanted Teenage Pregnancy?
  • How Teenage Pregnancy Affects the High School Dropout Rate?
  • What Is the Role of Health Care Professionals in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy?
  • How Can Comprehensive Sexuality Education Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy in Philadelphia?
  • Why Has the Teenage Pregnancy Rate Been on the Rise for Many Years?
  • Do Certain Economic Factors Affect Abortions in Teenage Pregnancy?
  • What Is the Dilemma of Teenage Pregnancy in Indonesia?
  • Humanism Research Ideas
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Understanding The Importance Of A Strong Thesis Statement For Teenage Pregnancy

  • Last updated Dec 09, 2023
  • Difficulty Intemediate

Stacey Berger

  • Category Common pregnancy discomforts

what is a good thesis statement for teenage pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is a topic that has been widely discussed and debated due to its significant impact on the lives of young individuals and society as a whole. Crafting a good thesis statement on teenage pregnancy requires a deep understanding of the issue and the ability to express a clear and focused argument. This statement should not only shed light on the causes and consequences of teenage pregnancy but also propose effective solutions for reducing its prevalence and supporting young parents.

What You'll Learn

How does teenage pregnancy affect young mothers and their ability to finish their education, what are the societal implications of high rates of teenage pregnancy, how does access to comprehensive sex education programs impact teenage pregnancy rates, what are the most effective methods of preventing teenage pregnancy, to what extent do social and economic factors contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancy.

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Teenage pregnancy is a significant issue that affects millions of young women worldwide. It is widely recognized that becoming a mother at a young age can have various negative consequences, particularly in relation to education. In this article, we will explore how teenage pregnancy affects young mothers and their ability to finish their education, drawing on scientific research, personal experiences, and step-by-step explanations.

Scientific studies have consistently shown that teenage pregnancy has a detrimental impact on a young mother's education. According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of high school compared to their peers who do not experience pregnancy during adolescence. These findings suggest that the responsibilities and challenges associated with motherhood often hinder a young woman's ability to complete her education.

There are several reasons why teenage pregnancy affects young mothers' education. Firstly, the demands of caring for a child can be overwhelming, especially for young mothers who may have limited support systems. The responsibility of tending to a baby's needs can leave little time and energy for studying or attending classes. This situation is exacerbated if a young mother does not have access to affordable childcare, making it difficult for her to balance her responsibilities as a mother and a student.

Furthermore, teenage mothers often face financial difficulties, which can also impact their education. Many young women in this situation may come from low-income backgrounds and lack financial resources to support their education. The expenses associated with raising a child, such as diapers, formula, and medical costs, can strain a young mother's finances, making it challenging for her to invest in her education.

In addition to the practical challenges, teenage pregnancy can also have psychosocial effects on young mothers. The stigma and social judgment surrounding teenage pregnancy can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, which can negatively impact a young woman's self-esteem and mental well-being. These emotional factors can further hinder a young mother's motivation and ability to focus on her education.

Despite these challenges, it is important to note that many teenage mothers have successfully completed their education. While the road may be difficult, there are steps that can be taken to support young mothers in their educational journey. For example, schools and communities can provide access to affordable childcare services, tutoring programs, and financial resources to help young mothers continue their education. Additionally, mentorship programs and support groups can provide emotional support and guidance, helping young mothers navigate the challenges they may face.

It is crucial to recognize that each young mother's experience is unique, and interventions must be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. By understanding the impact of teenage pregnancy on young mothers' education and implementing appropriate support systems, we can increase the chances of these young women successfully completing their education and pursuing their future goals.

In conclusion, teenage pregnancy has profound implications for young mothers and their ability to finish their education. Scientific research consistently shows that teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of high school compared to their peers. The practical challenges of motherhood, such as limited access to affordable childcare and financial difficulties, along with the emotional impact of stigma and isolation, all contribute to this educational setback. However, with the implementation of targeted support systems, it is possible to mitigate these challenges and empower young mothers to complete their education and achieve their full potential.

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Teenage pregnancy is a complex issue with a range of societal implications. It affects not only the individuals involved but also their families, communities, and society as a whole. Understanding these implications is crucial in order to develop effective strategies and interventions to address and prevent teenage pregnancy.

One of the main societal implications of high rates of teenage pregnancy is the economic burden it places on society. Teenage parents often face financial challenges due to the added costs of raising a child. This can result in increased reliance on government welfare programs and decreased economic productivity. In addition, young parents may have to drop out of school or put their education on hold, limiting their career opportunities and earning potential. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and dependence on public assistance.

Another societal implication of high rates of teenage pregnancy is the impact on the healthcare system. Teenage mothers are at higher risk for pregnancy complications and preterm births, which can have long-term health consequences for both the mother and the child. This can result in increased healthcare costs and the need for additional support services such as neonatal intensive care. In addition, the children of teenage mothers may be more likely to experience developmental delays or health problems, requiring ongoing medical interventions and support.

High rates of teenage pregnancy also have social implications. Teenage parents often face stigma and discrimination, which can lead to social isolation and negative mental health outcomes. They may experience judgment and negative stereotypes from their peers, teachers, and the wider community. This can have a detrimental effect on their self-esteem and overall well-being. Furthermore, teenage pregnancy can disrupt social networks and relationships, as young parents may struggle to balance their parenting responsibilities with maintaining friendships and romantic relationships.

There are also educational implications of high rates of teenage pregnancy. Teenage parents are more likely to drop out of school or experience interruptions in their education. This can limit their future educational and career prospects. In addition, teenage mothers may face challenges in returning to school after giving birth, such as finding affordable childcare and balancing their parenting responsibilities with their academic commitments. This can perpetuate a cycle of limited educational attainment and economic disadvantage.

Overall, high rates of teenage pregnancy have wide-ranging societal implications. They create economic, healthcare, social, and educational challenges that affect not only the individuals involved but also their families, communities, and society as a whole. Addressing and preventing teenage pregnancy requires a comprehensive approach that includes access to education, healthcare, and support services, as well as comprehensive sex education and contraception availability. By addressing the societal implications of teenage pregnancy, we can work towards creating a more equitable and supportive society for young parents and their children.

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Teenage pregnancy is a significant issue that affects the lives of young people around the world. It poses numerous challenges, including physical, emotional, and socio-economic hardships. The availability of comprehensive sex education programs has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing teenage pregnancy rates. This article will explore the ways in which access to comprehensive sex education programs can help reduce teenage pregnancy rates and promote healthy reproductive choices among young people.

Comprehensive sex education programs encompass a wide range of topics, including but not limited to, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consent, communication, and relationships. These programs provide young people with accurate and age-appropriate information about sexual and reproductive health. They emphasize the importance of making informed choices, understanding risks and consequences, and developing healthy relationships.

One of the key ways in which comprehensive sex education programs can impact teenage pregnancy rates is by increasing knowledge and awareness. When young people are equipped with accurate information about contraception and how to prevent pregnancy, they are more likely to make informed decisions and take responsible actions. Studies have shown that teenagers who have access to comprehensive sex education programs have significantly lower rates of unintended pregnancies compared to those who do not receive such education.

Moreover, comprehensive sex education programs also focus on teaching young people about consent and healthy relationships. By providing guidance on communication and boundaries, these programs empower teenagers to make choices that are respectful and consensual. Understanding the importance of consent can help reduce instances of sexual coercion or pressure that may lead to unintended pregnancies.

In addition to knowledge and awareness, comprehensive sex education programs also play a crucial role in promoting access to contraceptives. These programs provide information about a variety of contraception methods, including condoms, birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and emergency contraception. They educate young people about the effectiveness, benefits, and potential risks of each method, enabling them to make informed choices based on their individual needs and preferences. By ensuring that contraceptives are accessible and understood, comprehensive sex education programs contribute to the prevention of teenage pregnancies.

Furthermore, comprehensive sex education programs involve discussions about abstinence and delaying sexual activity. While abstinence can be an effective method of preventing teenage pregnancies, it is essential to acknowledge that some teenagers may choose to be sexually active. By providing accurate information about contraception and safe sex practices, these programs help ensure that young people who are sexually active can protect themselves against unintended pregnancies and STIs.

It is worth noting that comprehensive sex education programs have been shown to be more effective than abstinence-only programs in reducing teenage pregnancy rates. Studies have found that abstinence-only programs fail to provide young people with the necessary information and tools to make informed decisions about their sexual health. On the other hand, comprehensive sex education programs are comprehensive in their approach, taking into account the complexities of teenage sexuality and addressing the various factors that contribute to teenage pregnancies.

In conclusion, access to comprehensive sex education programs plays a vital role in reducing teenage pregnancy rates. By increasing knowledge and awareness, promoting access to contraceptives, teaching about consent and healthy relationships, and discussing abstinence and safe sex practices, these programs empower young people to make informed choices and prevent unintended pregnancies. It is essential for policymakers and educators to prioritize the implementation of comprehensive sex education programs to ensure the well-being and empowerment of young people worldwide.

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Teenage pregnancy is a significant concern in many societies around the world. It can have serious consequences for both the young mother and her child. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective methods to prevent teenage pregnancy and mitigate its harmful effects. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective strategies for preventing teenage pregnancy.

Comprehensive Sex Education:

One of the most critical and effective methods of preventing teenage pregnancy is through comprehensive sex education programs. These programs provide accurate information about reproductive health, contraception, and safe sexual practices. By equipping teenagers with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual behavior, comprehensive sex education can help reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy.

Access to Contraception:

Ensuring easy access to contraception is another critical aspect of preventing teenage pregnancy. By providing teenagers with a range of contraceptive options, such as condoms, birth control pills, and long-acting reversible contraceptives, they have the means to protect themselves against unintended pregnancies. Additionally, offering contraception at low or no cost can help overcome financial barriers that may prevent teenagers from accessing these vital resources.

Parent-Child Communication:

Maintaining open and honest communication between parents and their teenage children is essential for preventing teenage pregnancy. Parents should initiate discussions about sexual health and relationships, offering guidance, support, and accurate information. By creating a safe space for their children to ask questions and seek advice, parents can help their teenagers make responsible choices regarding sexual activity.

Youth-Friendly Healthcare Services:

Creating youth-friendly healthcare services can encourage teenagers to seek medical advice and support related to their sexual health. These services should be non-judgmental, respectful, and confidential, ensuring that teenagers feel comfortable discussing their concerns and accessing contraception or sexual health screenings. By addressing the unique needs of young people, youth-friendly healthcare services can play a vital role in preventing teenage pregnancy.

Empowering Girls:

Empowering girls through education and opportunities can also contribute to reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy. When girls have access to quality education, they are more likely to delay sexual activity and make choices that prioritize their future goals. Additionally, providing girls with comprehensive life skills training can equip them with the confidence and knowledge to navigate relationships and make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Addressing Socioeconomic Factors:

Teenage pregnancy is often associated with factors such as poverty, limited access to education, and lack of opportunities. Therefore, addressing these socioeconomic factors is crucial in preventing teenage pregnancy. Implementing poverty reduction programs, improving educational opportunities, and creating avenues for employment can empower teenagers and provide them with alternatives to early parenthood.

In conclusion, preventing teenage pregnancy requires a multi-faceted approach that combines comprehensive sex education, access to contraception, parent-child communication, youth-friendly healthcare services, empowerment of girls, and addressing socioeconomic factors. By implementing these effective methods, we can reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy and improve the overall well-being of teenagers and their communities.

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Teenage pregnancy is a worldwide issue that has far-reaching consequences for both the individual and society as a whole. The prevalence of teenage pregnancy varies across countries, but social and economic factors play a significant role in its occurrence. This article aims to explore the extent to which these factors contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancy.

Firstly, social factors have a considerable influence on teenage pregnancy rates. Adolescents who grow up in disadvantaged communities often face a lack of educational opportunities, limited access to healthcare, and low levels of social support. These circumstances can contribute to a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sexual intercourse. Additionally, cultural norms and peer pressure can also play a role in shaping adolescents' attitudes towards sex and contraception. In societies where teenage pregnancy is more socially acceptable or glamorized, young girls may be more inclined to engage in sexual activity without considering the consequences.

Secondly, economic factors also play a significant role in teenage pregnancy rates. Adolescents from low-income households often lack access to comprehensive sexual education, affordable contraception, and healthcare services. This lack of resources can lead to misinformation or limited knowledge about reproductive health, resulting in unplanned pregnancies. Moreover, economic instability can contribute to a higher prevalence of teenage pregnancy as adolescents may see childbearing as a means of financial support or escaping poverty.

It is important to note that the relationship between social and economic factors and teenage pregnancy is complex and multifaceted. These factors often interact and reinforce each other, creating a cycle of disadvantage and limited opportunities for young girls. For instance, a teenage mother's education and employment prospects may be negatively impacted by early parenthood, leading to continued economic hardship and a heightened risk of her own daughters also becoming teenage mothers in the future.

To address high rates of teenage pregnancy, it is crucial to implement comprehensive interventions that tackle the underlying social and economic factors. Education plays a fundamental role in empowering adolescents with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Schools should provide comprehensive sexuality education, which encompasses not only information about contraception but also emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships, consent, and self-esteem.

Efforts should also be made to improve access to affordable contraception and healthcare services for adolescents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This can be achieved through the provision of free or low-cost contraception, clinics targeted specifically at young people, and outreach programs that bring services directly to the communities that need them most. Additionally, promoting social support networks and providing mentorship opportunities can help adolescents develop resilience and make positive choices.

In conclusion, social and economic factors contribute significantly to high rates of teenage pregnancy. Addressing these factors requires a multi-faceted approach that includes comprehensive sexuality education, improved access to contraception and healthcare, and the promotion of supportive environments for young people. By investing in the well-being and empowerment of adolescents, we can help reduce the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and create a brighter future for our youth.

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Frequently asked questions.

A good thesis statement for teenage pregnancy is: "Teenage pregnancy is a major social issue that affects the health, education, and future prospects of young mothers and their children, and requires comprehensive solutions to address its causes and consequences."

A good thesis statement for teenage pregnancy can be supported by researching and presenting evidence on the various impacts of teenage pregnancy, such as increased health risks for both the mother and child, lower educational attainment, limited economic opportunities, and the potential cycle of poverty that can be perpetuated.

Teenage pregnancy is considered a social issue because it has far-reaching consequences that affect not only the young mothers and their children but also their families, communities, and society as a whole. It can contribute to increased poverty rates, strain on social welfare systems, barriers to educational attainment, and perpetuation of negative stereotypes.

Some possible causes of teenage pregnancy that can be included in a thesis statement are lack of comprehensive sex education, limited access to contraceptives, influence of peer pressure and media, socio-economic factors, and cultural or religious beliefs. These factors can contribute to the higher rates of teenage pregnancy seen in certain communities or demographic groups.

A good thesis statement for teenage pregnancy can address its causes and consequences by advocating for comprehensive sex education programs that provide accurate information about reproductive health, safe sex practices, and contraceptive options. It can also call for increased access to affordable contraceptives and healthcare services for teenagers, as well as support services for young mothers to help them complete their education and secure stable employment opportunities.

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Thesis Statement about Teenage Pregnancy

This essay will discuss the development of a thesis statement about teenage pregnancy. It will cover the complexities surrounding teenage pregnancy, including societal, health, and economic aspects. The piece will propose different angles for a thesis statement, addressing the causes, effects, and preventive measures related to teenage pregnancy. Moreover, at PapersOwl, there are additional free essay samples connected to Adolescence.

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Every 26 seconds a teenage girl becomes pregnant. Refers to adolescent girls, usually within the ages of 13-19 who haven’t reached legal adulthood, who become pregnant. Research and statistics show that most of these girls that become teen moms are more likely to become financially unstable, drop out of school. and live in poor housing conditions. Although teenage pregnancy is usually viewed as bad, it can have a positive effect in the lives of teenage girls. There are good reasons behind every teenage pregnancy.

Living situations is a huge problem in teens homes. One study shows that “Around 110 cases of abuse and neglect every year, teenagers also would perform poor in school”(32). Living situations puts them at a higher than average risk becoming pregnant at an unstable environment. All a teenager wants is love and support from their parents. A neglected teen would want someone that can love them back, if not given to them they become depressed. Even tho most people don’t think that their home might not be the primary cause of teen pregnancy it is. These teens will develop more symptoms of depression, eventually ending their life. As a parent they should love their child unconditionally, because sooner they’ll know what they have caused and learn from it ,so as the parent.

Along with living situations comes pressure. Younger mothers tend to have healthier babies and their eggs are more fertile, an article by Frick states “Women having their babies at around their thirties and forties are at risk of public health problems or increased risk of perinatal death” (47). Women should know the consequences of age when considering getting pregnant. In today’s society more young teens are getting pregnant and isn’t shocking as it use to be. Each generation that comes more people see more young mothers. These teens know older people will wait till they are a certain age to become pregnant also not only they know they are risking their health and the babies health by waiting to become older. Also these older moms dont and cant to active activities with their child because they can hurt themselves, It’s easier to a be a teen mother because they have a lot of energy and can pace with them. Young mother tend to have more nutrients in their body than an older women they can provide more nutrients the baby needs ,and time for these young mothers is running out.

Addition teens will face changes in life that might not have expected or be ready for. The first thing that might change is their plans, it could be simply graduating high school and attending college. Most teens would rather drop out of school instead of multitasking, or trying to finish school. Not all teenage mothers are the same some will have at least a high school diploma, so they can get a decent job . One study by Hurley indicates “Many teens find that parenthood vastly improves their lives” (52). Teens would be motivated and work harder to expect more from their future than those who would have otherwise. Teen pregnancy doesn’t truly ruin your life, it just gives you lessons and prepares for what comes next. Teenage mothers will process and truly understand what they always wanted in life. Also they dont have nothing to lose by becoming a parent. They belief that there is a positive, attainable future worth planning and preparing for. It’s a more powerful decision for a young mother to get pregnant and stay in school.

Along with plans comes perspectives they might of hallucinate with getting pregnant once again just to satisfy themselves. An analysis showed “A group of adolescents were most likely to conceive again with the intention of not being lonely ,keeping the father around or increasing the likelihood of easy labor”(Minnick, 242). Young mothers should not take pregnancy as a game. They are hurting the lives of innocent children who have no part on what their parents might of caused. To become a mother its the most wonderful thing it could happen, that should not be taken for anyone. Young mothers should not get pregnant because they want but because they know they can handle it.

At last maturity is determined people would know if you were meant to become a mother. One study by Minnick shows “Young mothers feel mature after giving birth, but teenage mothers produce higher levels of stress and negative coping skills” (242). That what a younger mother feels when it has children, and that’s normal ,because every has gone through a difficult time and needs to adjust to different lifestyle they weren’t accustomed to. Older mothers are worse they are easily annoyed with different sounds and can’t cope , these will give up and they’ll eventually be the ones who are depressed most of the time. For them their lives were truly ruined.

Today their are resources available for young teen mothers. Abortion is a huge problem most teens and are afraid of what their parents might think, so they handle it themselves. According to Frick “Teenage pregnancy and substance abuse have more unique causes than common one ,and nonshared experiences play an important role in shaping social deviance” (38). Most young mothers feel ashamed that they consider abortion instead of handling the problem ,also because their parents won’t approve the mistake their child might of made. These is because the parents and child are not open about the problems they may be having or going through.

Another source is adoption ,young teens know they can give their baby all it needs. An analysis by Minnick “Giving the baby up for adoption will also result in a traumatic experience for the teen” (38). It’s better to keep the baby and give it all the love it needs, to give it up and never see it again and when you wont feel the same because you made something so wonderful ,instead of fighting for you just let them rip out of your hands and to make an effort to keep you and your child together will give a good wonderful feeling you haven’t felt in a long time also regretting it the rest of your life. These young teenage mothers should be supported all the time because these is when they are most down .

Another resource that is available are mother programs. Teenage programs help and prevent teens from making a mistake and help them understand ways they could coop. “ 6 in 10 young women were failing or had dropped out of school prior to high school graduation. These programs will help them get back in tracked and balance motherhood life and education. Most teens had gotten a job and turned their life for the best. All the young mothers will gather and talk about their experiences and support each other.

There’s research on why teenage pregnancy doesn’t ruined teens life and ways they can they can improve their situations. Although teen pregnancy is usually viewed bad, it can have a positive outcome in their lives of these young women who want to learn more about what they are going through. Their are good reason behind every pregnancy, and yes their will go through some changes they´ll have to face and that’s where the community steps in to provide programs and resources to help this young mother. Therefor people should inform themselves more first ,instead of criticizing young mothers from what’s wrong or right.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Public Health Issues — Teenage Pregnancy

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Teenage Pregnancy Essay Examples

🤰 teenage pregnancy: let's have a serious chat.

It's a big deal, and we should talk about it. Why write an essay on this topic? Well, it's not just a school assignment; it's a chance to understand the challenges, consequences, and ways to support young parents. So, grab a seat, and let's dive into the world of teenage pregnancy. 🙌

📝 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics: What to Explore

Picking the right topic for your teenage pregnancy essay is crucial. It should be something you care about and want to learn more about. Here are some ideas:

🤔 Causes of Teenage Pregnancy

Understanding why teenage pregnancy happens is the first step. Here are a few topics to explore:

  • The role of sex education (or the lack of it) in teenage pregnancy rates.
  • Peer pressure and its influence on teenage sexual behavior.
  • Social and economic factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy.
  • The impact of media and pop culture on teenage attitudes toward sex.

😟 Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy has some serious consequences. Check out these topics:

  • The effects of teenage pregnancy on the educational attainment of young mothers.
  • Health risks for both teenage mothers and their babies.
  • The emotional and psychological toll of teenage pregnancy.
  • How teenage pregnancy affects family dynamics and relationships.

🛡️ Prevention and Support

We need to prevent teenage pregnancy and support young parents. Here are some essay ideas:

  • Effective strategies for preventing teenage pregnancy.
  • The importance of comprehensive sex education in schools.
  • Support systems available for teenage mothers and fathers.
  • Shedding light on organizations and initiatives helping young parents.

👫 Personal Stories and Perspectives

Real-life stories can be powerful. You could explore:

  • Interviews with teenage parents sharing their experiences.
  • Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers' perspectives on teenage pregnancy.
  • The role of community and society in shaping attitudes toward teenage parents.
  • Voices of teenagers discussing their views on relationships, sex, and pregnancy.

✍️ Teenage Pregnancy Essay Example

📜 thesis statement examples.

1. "Teenage pregnancy is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including education, peer pressure, and socio-economic conditions. To address this problem effectively, we must focus on comprehensive sex education, support systems, and reducing societal stigma."

2. "The consequences of teenage pregnancy are far-reaching, affecting not only the young parents but also their families and communities. This essay delves into the challenges faced by teenage mothers, the risks to their babies, and the importance of prevention and support."

3. "Teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach. By sharing personal stories and perspectives, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to this phenomenon and work together to provide better opportunities for young parents."

4. "The voices of teenage parents and the insights of educators, healthcare professionals, and activists are crucial in addressing teenage pregnancy. This essay seeks to amplify those voices and explore the role of society in creating a more supportive and empathetic environment for young families."

📝 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Introduction Paragraph Examples

1. "In a world where teenage pregnancy is a reality for many young people, it's time we had an honest conversation. Teenage pregnancy isn't just a statistic; it's about the lives of teenagers facing significant challenges. This essay aims to shed light on the causes, consequences, and solutions surrounding teenage pregnancy."

2. "When we talk about teenage pregnancy, it's not just about numbers; it's about the lives of young mothers and fathers navigating a complex journey. This essay delves into the profound impact of teenage pregnancy on individuals and society, aiming to raise awareness and foster support."

3. "Teenage pregnancy is a topic that often sparks debate and controversy. But beyond the debates, there are real stories of teenagers facing parenthood at a young age. This essay is a platform to explore the factors driving teenage pregnancy and the experiences of those directly affected."

🔚 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Conclusion Paragraph Examples

1. "In conclusion, teenage pregnancy is a challenge that demands our attention and compassion. By addressing the root causes, providing support, and reducing stigma, we can empower young parents to build better futures for themselves and their children. Let's stand together and work towards a world where teenage pregnancy is a less daunting reality."

2. "As we wrap up this essay on teenage pregnancy, we must remember that it's not just about statistics; it's about real people facing real challenges. Through education, prevention, and a supportive community, we can make a difference in the lives of young parents and ensure they have the opportunities they deserve."

3. "The stories and perspectives shared in this essay remind us that teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted issue that touches the lives of many. It's a call to action for comprehensive sex education, accessible support systems, and a more empathetic society. Together, we can create a world where teenage parents thrive."

Teenage Pregnancy Speech

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Effects of Media on Teenage Pregnancy

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Teenage Pregnancy Writing Guide

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teen pregnancy thesis statement

Stuck with writing pregnancy papers? Do not worry! Let us guide you through the process of writing about teen pregnancy step by step!

Teenage pregnancy topics for research  

  • The issue of teenage pregnancy in the US
  • The ethical considerations of teenage abortion 
  • Research paper on teen pregnancy influence on mother’s quality of life
  • The problem of bullying of teen mothers
  • Sexual education in different countries 
  • Research paper about teenage pregnancy prevention programs and campaigns
  • How pregnancy affects the mental state of the teen 
  • How to reduce the rates of teenage pregnancy research paper 
  • Is teenage pregnancy only common in marginalized communities?
  • Sexual and reproductive health and rights of teenagers across the world
  • Link between education and teenage pregnancy

teenage pregnancy research paper

How to write a research paper on teenage pregnancy?

Teen pregnancy papers may vary in their length and depth of research. However, there are a few common rules that you need to follow to write a good one regardless of the length: 

  • First of all, write down every single idea that comes to mind. It may be something that you think about the topic or facts that you have previously heard about it. Review what you have written and focus on the points you find to be the most interesting. 
  • Do a research on the abovementioned points. If you like the factual information that you have found, decide on the focus of your research. 
  • Find a few clincher ideas for teen pregnancy research paper. These should be the facts or statistical data that proves certain points you are planning to make, and leaves the reader without any doubts that your findings might be non-credible.
  • Pregnancy research papers cannot be rushed. Therefore, make sure that you leave ample time for writing. 
  • Create a detailed outline. You can use the one provided in the section below as a basis and add to it as you decide what points to cover.
  • If you are not sure how to present your ideas, find some sample research paper on teenage pregnancy on the Web and check the flow of information. You may also see how the outline changes depending on the research methods used. 
  • Think about a creative title for teenage pregnancy essay. Choose something that briefly describes the purpose of your research without revealing the results.

Teenage pregnancy research paper outline 

Having a well-detailed outline is the best way to write a decent teenage pregnancy paper as you will have clear understanding on where your discussion on the topic is going. Here are some of the most essential parts that you need to include in your outline: 

  • The section that always comes first is a teenage pregnancy research paper introduction. Here, you should briefly describe what your paper will be about. Once you provide the reader with some background information on the topic, you need to show why it is important to discuss it.
  • Next thing to consider is a teenage pregnancy thesis statement. This would be the last sentence of your intro. Here, you should formulate your opinion on teen pregnancy topic that you’ve chosen and indicate the points you are planning to discuss or prove further in the paper.  
  • The next crucial part that is useful to include in your outline is the literature review. Here, you will place all the facts that you have collected about studies on teenage pregnancy. Additionally, you will have to compare the opinions of credible researchers and show why there might be significant differences in them.
  • Depending on the requirements of your professor, you might have to add methodology, results, and discussion sections. Methodology will reveal how you have gathered data, while the results and discussion parts will show your findings and thoughts on what you have read.
  • One of the challenges of writing a teenage pregnancy research paper conclusion is that you have to rephrase the thesis statement you have initially made, and summarize the information presented in the body of the paper. It takes a lot of skill to make sure you have conveyed the most important info from the whole paper in just a few sentences. Therefore, before writing a conclusion, highlight some keywords from the main part of the text to understand how to better summarize what has been discussed.

Teenage pregnancy research questions 

There are quite a few research questions on teenage pregnancy that you can choose depending on what aspect of the problem you decide to focus on:

  • Lack of sex education
  • Societal influences
  • Factors contributing to the problem
  • Lack of governmental intervention
  • Programs available to pregnant teens
  • Adoption and termination options for teen moms
  • Reproductive health outcomes and issues
  • The ability of teenagers to be parents
  • Pregnancy risks
  • Further education available to young mothers
  • Availability of support systems
  • Influence of young mother’s future
  • Career opportunities for pregnant teens and young mothers

How to find sources for pregnancy research papers 

  • Use Google Scholar when searching for credible sources.
  • Use keywords when doing the research, e.g. pregnancy, teen, teenager, and others depending on the specific topic of your research.
  • Try finding the most recent articles (preferably within the last 5 years, 10 if needed).
  • If you review articles on websites, make sure these are governmental or healthcare organizations whose research you can trust.

research questions on teenage pregnancy

Essays on teenage pregnancy

Before writing any teenage pregnancy essays, it is crucial to understand how to approach this task, what topic to choose, and how to create an effective outline that will help you submit an A+ paper.  

Teenage pregnancy essay ideas

  • Reflective essay about teenage pregnancy: how can we help young mothers? 
  • Governmental role in the prevention of teenage pregnancy essays 
  • The effects of teen pregnancy on children.
  • How to prevent teenage pregnancy essay 
  • The struggles that teen mothers face
  • Causes of teenage pregnancy essay
  • Teenage pregnancy problem-solution essay
  • Essay on teenage pregnancy problem and the role of social media in it
  • Abstinence education vs. sexual education
  • Causes and effects of teenage pregnancy essay

Teen pregnancy essay outline

When working on an essay on teen pregnancy, outline creation is of the utmost importance. Here are the sections that you need to include in one:

  • Teenage pregnancy essay introduction. This is a very important part of your paper as you have to present the issue you are going to consider. You will also need to formulate a strong thesis and hook your readers with some interesting facts or ideas. 
  • Teenage pregnancy essay thesis statement is the central idea of your essay. It would be the final sentence of the introduction for teenage pregnancy essay, and would cover the main arguments that you will later discuss in the body of the text. 
  • Body paragraphs. It is necessary to write at least one paragraph per each point in your thesis statement. Start a paragraph by introducing the point, add some statistical or factual data to prove it, provide and cite examples if applicable, and finish with a transitional sentence to smoothly move to the next point.
  • Teenage pregnancy essay conclusion. Here, you need to briefly synthesize all important points and restate your thesis. Make sure that the conclusion for teenage pregnancy essay does not include any new information. 

We recommend you to make an outline even if you are working on a short essay about teenage pregnancy. Having such a plan, you can write a really well-structured and decent paper. If you still feel that you struggle to compile an outline, find a teenage pregnancy essay example on the Web to see how it is structured.

teenage pregnancy research paper outline

Argumentative essays ideas on teenage pregnancy

Argumentative essay is quite a popular work type, which is why there can be numerous topics to choose from. How to find the best one?  We recommend choosing the one that interests you the most. However, if you have no idea where to start or what topics can be covered, check out our top pick: 

  • Argumentative essay about teenage pregnancy and challenges of teen motherhood
  • Should parents be allowed to prohibit children from visiting sex ed classes?
  • Should parents be allowed to stop their children from getting an abortion?
  • Does peer pressure to have sex influence the rate of teen pregnancies?
  • Do shows on teen pregnancy affect teenagers?

If you don’t feel like working on these topics, you may find some example of argumentative essay about teenage pregnancy online and see what topics other students are working on. You can also find some informative speech on teenage pregnancy to learn some factual information on the topic and get a few insights about what you might be interested in working on.

Persuasive essay ideas on teenage pregnancy 

The formula of all persuasive essays on teenage pregnancy is all the same - you need to put forward an opinion and support it with relevant data from all the credible sources. What this opinion would be is up to you. If you find something that you can relate to, feel free to choose from the options below:

  • Parents are usually responsible for teenage pregnancy persuasive essay
  • Teen moms should receive more financial support from the government
  • Teenage pregnancy is a result of poor sex education
  • Contraception should be provided in schools for free
  • Sex education should be mandatory
  • Teenagers can/cannot be good parents
  • If a girl is too young to be a parent, she is not too young to have an abortion

If you aren’t sure what kind of tone you need to use, check a few persuasive speeches on teenage pregnancy. They will give you an idea on the types of words that can be used to persuade the readers to support your opinion. Alternatively, look up the samples of persuasive essays on teenage pregnancy, specifically those related to the topic of your choice to get more specific examples on how to frame your arguments. 

teenage pregnancy essay example

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Qualitative Research on Adolescent Pregnancy: A Descriptive Review and Analysis

Profile image of Liezyl Blancada

This study examined qualitative research on adolescent pregnancy to determine designs and methods used and to discover emergent themes across studies. Most of the 22 studies reviewed were described as qualitative or phenomenological by design and included samples comprising either African-American and Caucasian participants or African-Americans exclusively. Based on analysis of the collective primary findings of the sample articles, four themes were identified: (a) factors influencing pregnancy; (a) pregnancy resolution; (c) meaning of pregnancy and life transitions; and (d) parenting and motherhood. Overall, the studies revealed that most adolescent females perceive pregnancy as a rite of passage and a challenging yet positive life event. More qualitative studies are needed involving participants from various ethnic backgrounds, on males' perceptions relative to adolescent pregnancy and fatherhood, and about decision-making relevant to pregnancy resolution, intimacy, and peer relationships.

Related Papers

Joefel Libo-on

Teenage pregnancy is a global problem. It confronted all levels of societal status from low, middle to high-income nations. The current paper provides an exploration of the mothers that come across the stage of teenage pregnancy. This provides narratives of the causes, challenges encountered, and their regrets by mothers that come across teenage pregnancy. A qualitative method of research was used in this study. The narrative - case study design was utilized in this methodology. It includes 10 participants and data were gathered through the use of a semi-structured interview schedule. The following were the study's significant findings: The majority of the participants were at the age of 21 and got pregnant at the age of 16 – 19. Most of them were first-year college students when they got pregnant, unmarried, unemployed, and therefore dependent on their parent's income. Participants’ narratives revealed that they got pregnant at an early age because of the individual willing...

teen pregnancy thesis statement

Im schoolBOy

The aim of the present study was to investigate the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether or not pregnant teenagers experience psychological distress during pregnancy, and to explore the nature of such distress. Thirty five (35) pregnant teenagers were conveniently sampled to participate in the study. Their ages ranged from 15 to 20 years, with the gestation period ranging from 4 to 9 months. Data was collected using triangulation of methods, namely quantitative and qualitative methods. For the quantitative data, a 15-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-15) which measures such factors as Socio-economic, Social, Ethnic and Religion. For qualitative data, five focus group interviews were conducted with the participants. The results suggested indications of psychological distress during the gestation period. These included experiences of symptoms associated with somatic complaints, anxiety and insomnia, social isolation and severe depression. Furthermore, the study showed themes of distress wherein teenagers react to the minimize on pregnancy with fear and disbelief, and thoughts of termination of pregnancy. Participants gave reports that pregnancy was seen as a stressful event for the teenagers involved. Coping strategies noted included teenagers ‟ resort to avoidance of situations were perceived to be stressful, and also associating with people they perceived as being more supportive. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: a) Intervention programs should be put in place so as to help minimize the increasing number pregnant teenagers, and able to identify factors may contribute teenage mother; b) Social support structures should be made available to Pregnant teenagers; and c) Cultural practices should be incorporated in education syllabi that focus on human sexuality and reproduction.

Biggie Manatsa

Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing

Yahya M. Bah

Teenage pregnancy is both a social and a public health problem in The Gambia and as such it continues to be a concern to families, community leaders, educators, social workers, health care professionals, the government and its partners. Though there are some studies on the topic of teen pregnancy and school dropout, there is a limited material on the perceptions held by teens about teenage pregnancy, contributing factors and childbearing, difficulties encountered by teen parents, needed preventive and curative programmes. The purpose of the study was first to explore and describe the major causes of teenage pregnancy and childbearing despite the fact that contraceptive is widely available and family life education being taught in all schools. Secondly, examine the problems the teenagers encounter after becoming mothers. Thirdly, examine the ways the teen mothers cope and adapt to the situation of becoming mothers. An exploratory, descriptive, contextual and qualitative design was ad...

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Social Science & Medicine

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Journal of Children and Poverty

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Journal of Adolescent Health

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Teenage Pregnancy (Argumentative Essay Sample)

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Teen pregnancy is when a girl becomes pregnant at a very young age between 15-19 years. Going through this phase is not easy and in most countries being pregnant as a teen is highly discouraged. Well, it’s hard enough being a teenager, and pregnancy makes it even more challenging. Young women push through the trials of teen pregnancy every day. Life becomes hard for them as well as their child after they give birth. It also negatively impacts their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. In this essay, I will present arguments against teen pregnancy so that you will also start to agree with me.  

Table of Contents

Argumentative Essay About Teenage Pregnancy – 700 Word Long Essay

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Teenage pregnancy is understood as pregnancy among girls at a young age. Teen mothers are aged 18 years and below. Teen pregnancy has the highest incidences recorded in the USA apart from other issues such as abortion and childbirth. However, the teen pregnancy rate has significantly reduced since 1990. Most teens nowadays avoid unwanted pregnancies because of government sexual education campaigns. The reduction in birth rate is because most teenage girls use birth control methods and have education about sexual activity. A teen mom usually drops out of school and faces many hardships. In this argumentative essay, I will present arguments on why teen pregnancy should be avoided.

Teenage pregnancies should be discouraged since they put a strain on the parents of that teen. Teen moms usually face numerous problems during their early parenthood. Parents of the teen mother have to incur expenses regarding medication. Teen mothers also have to carry out parenthood activities besides making ends meet for other expenses. Therefore, adolescent pregnancy should be eliminated through awareness of these negative impacts. Every teenager should know about safe sex and sex education from a young age.

Teen pregnancies should be eradicated due to their impact on the rise of social responsibility. The current society is burdened with social responsibility due to increased birth rates. There is a high cost of living due to population growth, high medication costs, and loss of human capital. Teen parents should be counseled and allowed to stay in schools and colleges. There should be advertisements on sex education by the government to control teen pregnancy rates so that teen birth rates can be controlled. Pregnant teens should not be allowed to go to school or college so that these pregnant teenagers don’t have a bad influence on others.

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Teen pregnancy leads to increased poverty in society hence it should be abolished. The poverty status of teenage mothers is currently on the rise because they don’t have a source of income. This poverty situation is typically prolonged as the child is unable to get better education due to the limited resources. Poverty in children born to teen parents leads to health deterioration due to depression and low self-esteem.

Teenage pregnancies are responsible for high risks of health-related infections among teen mothers and their babies. Teen parents usually exhibit mental problems due to stress and depression as well as physical injuries. These problems sometimes lead to death at the time of delivery. Other health-related problems include anemia, hemorrhage, STD infections, and low birth weight. Teen mothers don’t know how to take care of themselves when they are pregnant which also leads to miscarriages. Even if there are no miscarriages, babies are prematurely born and have poor nutrition.

In conclusion, teen pregnancy even though it is reduced due to awareness, negatively impacts the mother, baby, and society. Teenage mothers, as well as their children, usually suffer for their whole life because of this mistake. Therefore, it is critical to educate teens on better methods of birth control while encouraging sexuality education.

Short Argumentative Essay About Teen Pregnancy – 300 Word Short Custom Essay

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Teenage pregnancy is defined as the occurrence of pregnancy among young girls aged 10 to 19 years old. Teen moms suffer their whole life due to a lack of information about safe sex and reproductive health. The tread in most schools as soon as the children hit puberty is towards having a relationship with the opposite sex and losing virginity. Most teens are not even aware of the consequences before they indulge in such relationships. They don’t realize how they have damaged their health, self-esteem, social stature,  future of education, and most importantly the future of their offspring. In this essay, I will present arguments on why teenage pregnancies should always be discouraged.

Young people usually have very little or no sex education at all. Nowadays teenagers and adolescents are influenced by social media and tv shows that promote sexual interactions. These shows give these young minds a false idea about this world and life goals. Sexually explicit content on the internet and no sex education makes them take bad decisions in life. One of the worst outcomes of all this is teenage mothers having no idea of what to do. This leads to more and more problems in life and can even affect families.

Teen pregnancy should be discouraged because it negatively affects the social, physical, and mental wellbeing of the teen parent as well as their child. Teens are challenged to carry out early parenthood responsibilities, they drop out of school, they don’t even get enough money to afford these expenses.  On top of all anxiety, stress, shame, and fear during teenage pregnancy may even cause death during childbirth. A child born after unwanted pregnancy also suffers all his/her life because of this mistake. The child never gets the deserved love, respect, and resources to fulfill his/her basic needs. These children fall easy prey to anxiety, depression, and emotional stress.

In conclusion, the government should take measures by promoting sex education among teenagers. premarital sex in teenagers should be discouraged. Problems that arise after becoming a teen parent should be highlighted so that everyone should be safe from health issues in this age bracket.

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FAQ About Effects of Early Pregnancy in Teens

What is the main problem of teenage pregnancy.

The main problem of teen pregnancy is guilt and shame that makes you leave school or college. It also negatively affects the social, physical, and mental well-being of the teen mom.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of teenage pregnancy?

The disadvantage of teen pregnancy is that it destroys the social, physical, and mental well-being of the teen mother. The advantage of teen pregnancy is that teen mothers heal super fast after giving birth and are closer to their kids.

  • https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/teen-pregnancy-issues-challenges/

teen pregnancy thesis statement

How to Write a Teenage Pregnancy Essay (Fast)

Teenage pregnancy essay is a common prompt for students in colleges and universities.

Writing this type of essay may require a little bit of experience to ensure that you get the top scores. Another challenge is that you may not be able to finish as fast as you intend but with a few tricks from our experts, we will show you how to go about it in just one hour without sacrificing the critical components.

teenage pregnancy essay

If you’re stuck and need the best teenage pregnancy essay, order one from us today. Academeter.com will refund your money if you fail an essay written by one of our writers.

But if you just want to go through all this on your own, here are the steps to make the process of writing seamless.

We have identified 5 simple steps that will take you through the process without leaving out critical elements of a good essay. These ideas will even apply to a research paper.

1. Establish a Clear Direction (Do You Picture the Ending of Your Essay?)

Why is this important?

It is important because when you know the destination of writing, you will definitely have an idea about the shortest route to that end.

  • The secret to writing a teenage pregnancy essay faster lies with the direction you want your argument to take.

There are many aspects of teenage pregnancy.

sex education to prevent teen pregnancy

Some students might want to talk about the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. Others may wish to discuss its impacts.

Writing about the methods of preventing teenage pregnancy is also a great angle to take while completing the paper. So, start by figuring out what you want to communicate in the paper.

Avoid the mistake of going too broad with your thesis . Teenage pregnancy entails a lot of things.

The narrower your teenage pregnancy thesis is, the faster you will complete it. Also, your paper will look more compact and better to read.

Coming up with a good thesis statement should fulfill the following expectations:

  • Answering a particular question about the essay topic.
  • Making a specific claim that others can argue about.
  • Highlighting a few reasons why you make the claim.

Sample (good) thesis statement:

Sexual behavior education has a limited impact on reducing teenage pregnancy in California because there are fewer experts capable of delivering such sensitive coaching and other critical factors such as a child’s background could erase the effectiveness of the approach.

Let us assume you’re going to pick one of the teenage pregnancy essay topics listed below.

Teenage pregnancy essay topics

  • Parental education in reducing teenage pregnancy.
  • Role of family environment in occurrence of teenage pregnancy.
  • Does poverty increase the likelihood of getting pregnant before 18 years?
  • The contributors to increased rates of teenage pregnancy in the United States?
  • Strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy among high school students.
  • Examining contraceptive awareness among teenagers.
  • Stigma associated with teenage pregnancy.
  • The significance of religion in preventing teen pregnancy.
  • Emotional impact of teen pregnancy on young girls.
  • Ways to educate pregnant teenage girls on nutrition during pregnancy.

2. Use a Concise Essay Title (Catchy but not Silly Titles)

The above essay topic ideas on the subject have been narrowed down to areas that will sharpen the focus of your paper.

So, after determining the direction of the paper, it is important that you use a concise title.

Remember! The reader of your essay will likely have other papers to read, most likely your classmates.

If you have a boring title without a clear message pointing to a particular direct, you might just not score the best grade your desire.

Consider the following two essay titles:

(A) Reducing Teenage Pregnancy.

( B) The Impacts of Sexual Behavior Education in Reducing Teenage Pregnancy in California.

Title A is what you want to avoid. Why?

  • It suck and tells the reader nothing about your paper.
  • It does not raise curiosity but the purpose of writing is to get someone to read it.

Title B makes the mark because of several reason. Why should you have titles like that?

  • Concise essay titles communicate a sense of purpose.
  • Raises the reader’s expectation and the desire to know more.
  • A good essay title also narrows down to a subset of ideas in a multitude of issues.

Now that you have an idea about how your teenage pregnancy essay title should look like, let’s jump to the third step of writing.

3. Create a Simple Outline

A teenage pregnancy essay outline must not be too comprehensive.

The reason for creating an outline is to speed up your writing process. You cannot afford to start an essay without a plan. If not, you will write two paragraphs and realize that you have nothing left to finish a 3- or 5-page paper.

That is why an outline is important.

Here is a simple teenage pregnancy outline if you’re discussing “The Impact of Sexual Education on Reducing Teenage Pregnancy.”

  • Essay title
  • End introduction with a thesis statement. E.g. Sexual education is not effective in reducing teenage education because… ( write your reasons here)
  • Reason 1 (sexual education does not consider other causes of teenage pregnancy)
  • Reason 2 (there are fewer specialists to deliver effective sexual education)
  • Reason 3 (limited resources to fund sexual education within schools)
  • Reason 4 (technology, such as access to smartphones easily undo the effects of education)

You can have as many reasons as your essay can contain. The longer the paper, the larger your body section will have to be depending on your instructor’s guidelines.

Short teenage pregnancy essays may only need three body paragraphs, each paragraph discussion a single sub topic.

4. Avoid the Mistake of Making Too Many Claims

The purpose is to complete the essay as fast as possible.

One mistake I usually see students making is picking too many points to talk about, only to end up consuming much of their time for no reason.

The more points you list for or against your argument, the more you expose your essay for criticism.

So, stay away from this ‘evil’ desire. Some students do it to impress their teachers but it always does not. Instead, it dilutes the quality of your paper. You end up splitting tiny claims that could be combined to make one strong argument.

Quality trumps quantity if the essay has to be complete within an hour.

Avoid quibbling as much as you can.

5. Spare 5 Minutes for Proofreading

It doesn’t matter how short the time you have to complete your teenage essay writing if your teacher cannot read past two sentences without noticing a grammatical error or a misspelt word.

Set aside a minimum of five minutes to proofread your essay.

You do not need to good too overboard with this if time is limited.

However, you need to eliminate obvious mistakes that will destroy the reading experience. Remember, an unread essay equals no essay. You only score marks if your tutor can read through the entire paper, or at least significant portions of it.

Are you impressed with the tips we have highlighted for writing teenage pregnancy essay?

Here are a few important tips to know before you go.

  • Academeter has a team of professional writers capable of completing your essays even within an hour.
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Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes and Risk Factors

Jana diabelková.

1 Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Medical Faculty, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, Šrobárova 2, 041 80 Košice, Slovakia

Kvetoslava Rimárová

Peter urdzík.

2 Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, Louis Pasteur University Hospital, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia

Andrea Houžvičková

Ľubica argalášová.

3 Institute of Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Špitálska 24, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia

Associated Data

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

One of the major social and public health problems in the world is adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy is strongly associated to less favorable results for both the mother and the newborn. We conducted this research to ascertain the impact of teenage age on neonatal outcomes and also observed the lifestyles of pregnant teenage girls. We conducted a study of 2434 mothers aged ≤19 years (n = 294) or 20–34 years (n = 2140) who gave birth in 2019–2020 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Košice. The data on mothers and newborn infants have been reported from the reports on mothers at childbirth. Women between the ages of 20 and 34 served as the reference group. The teenage mothers were more likely to become pregnant if they were unmarried (OR = 14.2; 95% CI = 9.3–21.6; p < 0.001) and had a basic education or lack of education (OR = 16.8; 95% CI = 11.5–24.6; p < 0.001). Additionally, they were more likely to smoke when pregnant (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 3.8–6.6; p < 0.001). Low birth weight was more common in newborns born to adolescent mothers than in those born to adult mothers ( p < 0.001). Our findings showed that infants of teenage mothers often had lower birth weights (−332.6 g, p < 0.001). Adolescent mothers were associated with lower Apgar scores at the first minute ( p = 0.003). As compared with the control group, pregnant teenage girls had a greater prevalence of preterm deliveries in our research ( p = 0.004). This study finds significant age-related disparities in neonatal outcomes between mothers. These results might be used to identify vulnerable groups who need special assistance and actions to reduce the probability of negative outcomes for such groups.

1. Introduction

Adolescent pregnancies are a global public health problem. Teenage pregnancy is the pregnancy of 10- to 19-year-old girls [ 1 ]. Adolescents are further divided into early (10–14 years old), middle (15–17 years old), and late adolescents (over 17 years old) [ 2 ].

According to the World Health Organization, adolescent pregnancies are a global problem for both developed and developing countries. Although the global teenage birth rate has decreased, there are regional differences in the rates of change. Adolescent pregnancies have decreased globally, from 64.5 per 1000 women in 2000 to 42.5 per 1000 women in 2021. However, there are huge differences in levels between and within countries. While the estimated global teenage birth rate has decreased, the actual number of childbirths to teenagers continues to be high. Pregnancy in girls under the age of 19 is severe in every aspect and requires very complex and long-term solutions [ 1 ].

The transition from childhood to adulthood occurs during the phase of adolescence, during which there are numerous changes in the physiological, anatomical, structural, and psychological aspects. Because many teenagers are not physically or mentally prepared for pregnancy and childbirth, they are more likely to experience complications that can have serious health consequences. Giving birth during adolescence has serious consequences for the health of the mother and her infant [ 1 ]. The adolescent age group is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes [ 2 , 3 ].

The rate of teenage pregnancies has recently been greatly affected by several significant factors. The decreasing age at menarche is one of the factors that can affect a woman’s fertility. Since the 19th century, the age at menarche has been decreasing at a rate of 2–3 months per decade in many European countries, resulting in an overall decrease of about 3 years. Most of the decrease in menarche age is related to better nutrition and health. The onset of first sexual activity occurs at a significantly younger age, which is another contributing element. Teenage pregnancy, therefore, remains a serious social, economic, and health problem [ 4 ].

Young maternal age is more likely a marker for one or more other maternal risk factors associated with poor birth outcomes. Poverty, low education, and inadequate family support are also problems. These factors increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, and birth complications, all of which are exacerbated by inadequate prenatal care [ 5 ]. For girls, early pregnancies can have social consequences such as lower status in the household and community; stigmatization; abuse by family, peers, and partners; and early and forced marriage. Early pregnancy and childbirth during adolescence can hinder a girl’s otherwise healthy development into adulthood and negatively affect her educational opportunities, financial security, and health. Many teenage girls who are pregnant cannot continue their education or work because they are pregnant. This can have a big impact on their future [ 6 ]. In addition, children born to parents who cannot care for them face additional dangers. In the first few years of a child’s life, the mother–child relationship declines. This is primarily due to the mother’s immaturity. When teenage mothers are victims of sexual assault, the situation is even worse. Apart from their mothers, these children tend to be brought up by their grandparents and relatives, with frequent changes in caregivers. Children have a higher risk of being abused or neglected and a higher risk of failing in school and are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later on [ 7 ].

The economic, social, and political development and progress of any country depend on the healthy size of adolescents and children. As a result, the healthier the teenager is, the healthier the nation and future generations will be. Teenagers thus need special attention from us.

Understanding the issue is necessary to develop and carry out prevention initiatives to decrease teen pregnancy. Knowledge about the target groups, teenage pregnancy and birth outcomes, and the risk and preventive factors related to teenage pregnancy is needed. This information is important in choosing which risk and protective factors to target and, thus, better implementing the effective implementation of evidence-based adolescent pregnancy prevention practices.

Examining the newborn outcomes and risk variables associated with adolescent pregnancies was the aim of the present research.

2. Materials and Methods

The research took place in the years 2019–2020 in eastern Slovakia. This study included 2434 newborns and their mothers. Data were collected at the University of Pavel Jozef Šafárik’s Faculty of Medicine and the Louis Pasteur University Hospital’s Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic in Košice. This hospital has a higher prevalence of mothers with high-risk pregnancies because it is the East Slovakian center for low birth weight and preterm birth.

The data were obtained from hospital records. Available information included the mother’s education, marital status, lifestyle, and when prenatal care began. Additionally, the Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, the newborn’s gestational age, and the newborn’s weight were recorded. The total number of mothers in the results tables was different because not all the data for each mother were available in the clinical records. The study excluded women who were carriers of multiple pregnancies because they had a higher risk of preterm birth and lower birth weights of their newborns. Thus, women with multiple pregnancies were not included among the participants.

Maternal age was defined as the mother’s age in completed years at the time of delivery. The youngest women recruited to the cohort were 14 years old; therefore, the data for this study were limited to women aged 14–34 years at delivery who had a singleton pregnancy. The results for women under the age of 19 were compared with the results for women in the reference group (20–34 years). The age range of 20 to 34 years was chosen as the reference group because this age range had the lowest risk of developing age-related problems.

In our records, a woman who smoked at least one cigarette per day while pregnant was considered a smoker. All women who consumed 15 g of alcohol per day were considered alcohol consumers. This is equivalent to 0.5 L of 12-degree beer, 0.3 L of wine, or 0.5 dL of strong alcohol.

The neonatal outcome variables of interest in this study were low birth weight (less than 2500 g), very low birth weight (less than 1500 g), extremely low birth weight (less than 1000 g), macrosomia (birth weight greater than 4000 g), preterm birth (less than 37 weeks gestation), very preterm birth (less than 32 weeks gestation), extremely preterm birth (less than 28 weeks gestation), and low Apgar score at the first and fifth minutes (less than 7).

Most mothers completed eight prenatal care visits. Thus, we divided the group of mothers into two groups: those who had fewer than eight antenatal visits and those who had eight or more visits.

The IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 program (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used to analyze the data. The data were given as median (min–max), mean (standard deviation), and number (percent).

The data were processed using both primary characters and modified characters (categorized). Most of the findings were statistically significant, and the analysis included important discoveries that were related to the collected empirical data. The χ2 independence test, with a significance level of 0.05, was used to assess the frequency of individual variations of characteristics in the analyzed groups and subgroups. The Student’s t -test was used to compare the arithmetic means of continuous variables. The odds ratio, or, was used to compare the frequency of social and anamnestic variables in the adolescent mothers and mothers from the reference group.

Data were available for 2434 pregnancies for this analysis. A total of 294 (12.1%) of these births included teenagers between the ages of 14 and 19. The controls were 27.9 ± 3.9 years old on average, whereas the adolescents’ mean age was 17.4 ± 1.4. Table 1 displays the characteristics of the study’s participants.

Characteristics of the sample by maternal age.

Numbers in bold indicate statistically significant values.

Our study demonstrated that adolescent mothers had lower levels of education ( p < 0.001), only primary school (84.1%). About 46% of teenage girls reported smoking during pregnancy. In the reference group, the proportion of smokers was 14.6% ( p < 0.001). Alcohol consumption during pregnancy was relatively low at 0.6%, and the data on alcohol use were not statistically significant ( Table 1 ).

In the adolescent group, there were up to 45.7% of women ( p < 0.001) who went to the doctor after the first trimester. Most mothers completed eight prenatal care visits. Therefore, we divided the group of mothers into two groups: those who had fewer than eight antenatal visits and those who had eight or more visits. Up to 75.9% of teenage girls who were pregnant had fewer than eight clinic visits ( p < 0.001) ( Table 2 ).

Antennal care received by the respondents.

Adolescent girls were significantly more likely to be single (OR = 14.2; 95% CI = 9.3–21.6; p < 0.001), to have less education (OR = 16.8; 95% CI = 11.5–24.6; p < 0.001), and to smoke during pregnancy (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 3.8–6.6; p < 0.01). They were more likely to visit a doctor for the first time during pregnancy after the first trimester (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.2–0.3; p < 0.001) and were more likely to visit a doctor fewer than eight times (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 3.0–5.3; p < 0.001) during pregnancy ( Table 3 ).

OR of various risk variables for adolescent mothers’ reproductive outcomes.

OR—odds ratio; CI—confidence interval. Numbers in bold indicate statistically significant values.

Table 4 shows the results for newborns. Infants born to teenage mothers had a significantly higher rate of low birth weight than those born to women who were adults ( p < 0.001). Our findings showed that children born to teenage mothers weighed less on average (−332.6 g, p < 0.001). In contrast to the control group, pregnant adolescents in our analysis had a higher prevalence of premature births ( p = 0.004). Children of adolescent mothers had a lower first-minute Apgar score ( p = 0.003).

Neonatal outcomes.

4. Discussion

Pregnancy in adolescence is a health problem worldwide. Teenagers themselves are a high-risk group in need of high-priority interventions. In general, most pregnancies in adolescence are extra-marital and unintended [ 2 ]. The teenage mothers in this research were more likely to be single (OR = 14.2; 95% CI = 9.3–21.6; p < 0.001), which is similar to previous studies [ 5 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].

Psychological immaturity is common among adolescent mothers. Because they do not understand the value of family planning, they often engage in risky sexual behavior and become pregnant while still in school and still living with their parents [ 9 ]. This study confirms that teenage mothers are significantly more likely to have a low level of education ( p < 0.001). These findings agreed with those of other research investigations carried out in other nations [ 2 , 9 ]. Adolescent girls often drop out of school due to pregnancy or childbirth. Sometimes problems at school and poor school performance appear even before pregnancy. Some teenage girls who are not doing well in school may find motherhood an attractive option. When these variables combine, young mothers have fewer career possibilities, often resulting in lower earnings for the rest of their lives [ 9 , 11 ]. Early pregnancies are significantly reduced by education; the more years of education, the lower the rate of early pregnancies [ 1 ].

Quitting smoking has a direct impact on the health of the fetus. Teenagers in our research were more likely to smoke during pregnancy (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 3.8–6.6; p < 0.001). Previous research has shown that several high-risk activities are associated with a higher likelihood of pregnancy. These activities included the use of tobacco products, drinking alcohol, drug use, and risky sexual behavior [ 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].

Teenagers need accurate information about where to go when they need advice and help. Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of prenatal care in minimizing pregnancy risks [ 9 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Unlike controls, pregnant adolescent girls in our study used prenatal care services less frequently. This was confirmed by a later gestational age at the first visit ( p < 0.001) and a lower number of visits to the doctor during pregnancy ( p < 0.001). This may be a result of a lack of information about the community services offered and the benefits of providing early and routine care. Teenagers may think they are not entitled to prenatal care, or they may choose to keep the pregnancy a secret [ 9 , 11 , 18 ]. Pregnant teenagers often interrupt school attendance, partly because of their participation in prenatal care. If clinic times are compatible with school attendance and medical staff are sensitive to adolescent needs, antenatal visits are more likely to be attended. Therefore, the needs of adolescents must be taken into account when providing prenatal care. However, direct study comparisons are difficult as there are different definitions of appropriate prenatal care. Regardless of how prenatal care is defined, the data suggest that adolescents tend to receive less adequate care than adult women [ 3 , 8 , 14 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Similar findings were obtained by Kassa et al. [ 22 ], who found that the number of antenatal care visits was lower in the teenage group and that doctor visits started later in pregnancy in this group. De Vienne et al. [ 23 ], on the other hand, did not find a difference between younger and older women in the analyzed age categories. Quinlivan and Evans published a study [ 24 ] comparing the outcomes of adolescents attending either a general or a specialist antenatal clinic for teenagers. In adolescent pregnancy clinics, prenatal care was provided by a multidisciplinary team and included social support and thorough infection screening. The rate of preterm births has decreased significantly as a result of the care provided at teen pregnancy clinics. According to the authors, the key strategies were the prevention of ascending infections of the genital tract and the provision of comprehensive treatment for teenagers. Healthcare professionals should be aware that teenage pregnancies are high-risk pregnancies and educate young women about the value of prenatal care and frequent antenatal visits.

In our study, preterm births were more common among pregnant teenage mothers than in controls ( p = 0.004), which is similar to previous studies [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Due to the fact that preterm birth is a complex pregnancy problem, it is complicated to identify the exact cause. According to Debiec et al. [ 17 ], preterm birth is more common in teenagers who receive insufficient prenatal care, which supports the hypothesis that poor prenatal care is a risk factor for preterm birth. However, Chen et al. [ 4 ] point out that the risk of preterm birth persisted even in women who received adequate prenatal care. Yadav et al. [ 10 ] found that preterm birth was significantly more common in teenagers. According to them, the rise might be attributed to biological immaturity and socioeconomic deprivation. Clinically indicated preterm births may be the result of medical conditions such as intrauterine growth restriction or spontaneous labor. Both spontaneous preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction are associated with maternal malnutrition, and there is strong evidence linking both conditions to maternal smoking during pregnancy [ 13 , 18 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Adolescent mothers are more likely to deliver preterm due to gynecological immaturity (such as a short cervix [25 mm] and a small uterine volume) and susceptibility to subclinical infections. Other studies suggest that these risks are related to biological immaturity in adolescent females and are not related to social deprivation, smoking, or inadequate prenatal care [ 27 , 36 , 37 ].

In this study, the percentage of low birth weight in infants born from adolescent mothers was higher than in mothers who gave birth in adulthood ( p < 0.001), which is similar to previous studies [ 23 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 38 , 39 ]. It is thought that growing adolescents may compete with the fetus for resources, which might hinder fetal development and lead to low-birth-weight newborns or newborns that are small for their gestational age [ 40 ]. Marvin-Dowle et al. [ 40 ] conducted research in England among women aged 19 years and 20–34 years to examine the relationship between maternal and newborn outcomes in teenage women. Extremely low birth weight was found to be significantly more common in the teenager group compared with the control group.

Extremely underweight newborns have a higher risk of death within the first few months of life [ 12 ] as well as long-term problems with their physical and cognitive development [ 9 , 11 ]. Extremely low birth weight was not more common in our study cohort of adolescent mothers ( p = 0.246).

The term Apgar, or appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration, was created by Doctor Virginia Apgar. This score is a simple method for evaluating neonates one and five minutes after birth. A newborn’s Apgar score is determined by several variables, including color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and breathing. Scores for each item range from 0 (zero), 1, or 2, with a total score of 7 to 10 considered good [ 41 ]. No significant difference in the low Apgar score between adolescent and adult pregnancies was found when compared with hospital-based retrospective cohort research in Nepal by Yadav et al. [ 10 ]. Due to several sociodemographic, obstetric, and dietary factors, low Apgar scores occur more frequently in teenage pregnancies than in adult pregnancies [ 3 , 22 ]. In a study conducted over 6 years in Japan with 30,831 women under the age of 25 who were pregnant with a singleton, Ogawa et al. [ 29 ] examined the relationship between adolescent pregnancy and adverse outcomes. They found that low Apgar scores were significantly more common among adolescent mothers than among mothers aged 20 to 24 [ 29 ]. Low Apgar scores are associated with infant complications such as breathing difficulties, feeding problems, hypothermia, and seizures [ 42 ]. Low Apgar scores at five minutes correlate with mortality and may indicate a higher likelihood of cerebral palsy [ 41 ]. In our study, the difference in the prevalence of low Apgar scores between adolescent mothers and the control group was confirmed only when the Apgar score was evaluated after the first minute ( p = 0.003).

The development of social policy can be improved by having a thorough understanding of all these socioeconomic factors that influence teen pregnancy.

The first and most important step in strategies to reduce adolescent pregnancies and associated poor neonatal outcomes should be to “prevent it”. Measures to reduce the prevalence of teenage pregnancy also include increasing the importance of education. Although there are many different techniques to prevent a young girl from becoming pregnant, sexual abstinence is the only one that is 100% successful. This approach is the only one that ensures zero pregnancy risk and safeguards the adolescent from contracting any STDs. It is important to make teenagers aware of the responsibility that comes with sexual activity. The more information teenagers receive about this topic, the higher the chance that they will behave cautiously.

Teenagers should be educated about the negative consequences of teenage pregnancy, especially by their parents and at school. Building adolescents’ knowledge, skills, resilience, and aspirations through relationships and education helps them delay sexual activity until they are ready; enjoy healthy, consensual relationships; and use family planning methods. Schools may play a role by encouraging students to make mature decisions about their sex and by disseminating the knowledge needed to prevent adolescent pregnancy.

Teenagers are more likely to have their first sexual experience later in life if they and their parents have open discussions about relationships and sexual health from a young age. When parents spend time discussing sex and family planning with their children, they can have a significant impact on their decisions. Some parents have trouble talking about this topic. The barriers to parental communication include embarrassment, concern that discussion may encourage early sexual activity, and uncertainty about how to properly answer questions. Parents and all practitioners who come into contact with young people therefore need guidance on how to talk to them.

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, pregnancies in adolescents should be considered high-risk pregnancies. It is necessary to emphasize the need for comprehensive prenatal care for pregnant adolescent children because insufficient prenatal care can be harmful to both the mother and her fetus. Promoting early and thorough prenatal care is a key strategy if adolescent pregnancy outcomes are to be improved. Addressing teen pregnancy also requires a major effort by families, service providers, schools, faith-based and community organizations, recreation centers, policymakers, and youth. Teenagers should be educated about the negative consequences of teenage pregnancy, especially by their parents and at school. Our results confirm the relatively high prevalence of pregnant adolescent girls who smoked. Education should therefore also focus more on the risks associated with the use of substances during pregnancy.

The most important elements in preventing unwanted teenage pregnancies are a functional and stable family, good relations between parents, and good relations between parents and children. Parents should be the main source of information about sex. Adolescent pregnancy is not only a medical problem but also a social and societal problem, so society also plays an important role in preventing unwanted pregnancies, spreading awareness among young people, and holding them accountable for their actions.

6. Limitation

The conclusions of this study must be interpreted in light of limitations in the dataset and study design. For example, this study cannot adequately control for such factors as infectious exposure and drug use, which may differ between the groups.

Funding Statement

This work was supported by grants KEGA No. 008UPJŠ-4/2020, KEGA 010UPJŠ-4/2021 of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovakia and 015UK-4/2022. We also thank the directory board of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Košice for assistance with organization of sample collection at the hospital wards.

Author Contributions

J.D., K.R. and P.U. designed the project; J.D. and A.H. participated in data analysis; J.D. was responsible for interpretation and writing of the final version for publication; K.R. and E.D. were responsible for funding acquisition and project administration; J.D. performed the literature search and drafted sections of the manuscript; K.R., E.D. and Ľ.A. provided critical revision of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Louis Pasteur University Hospital, Košice, Slovakia, 2019/EK/2014.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

Conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

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Johnstone, Muriel. "Teenage mothers’ reflections of their unintended, repeat pregnancies." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/3574.

Van, Wyk Emmerentia C. "Teenage girls' experiences of pregnancy and motherhood." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2007. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&action=viewtitle&id=gen8Srv25Nme4_2874_1233151622.

Teenage pregnancy and motherhood is a challenging phenomenon worldwide. The goal of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions and experiencesof a sample of teenage girls about pregnancy, birth and motherhood. The objectives of the research were to engage voluntary participants in autobiographical " life stories" and semi structured interviews relating to the phenomenon being studied to analyze the qualitative information and do a literature control of the findings and compare and verify and make appropriate conclusions and recommendations.

Pillow, Wanda S. "Policy discourse and teenage pregnancy: the making of mothers." The Ohio State University, 1994. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299257591.

Wai, Hoi-ka Jessica. "Benefits of perceived social support in adolescent pregnancy : an integrative review /." View the Table of Contents & Abstract, 2006. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B36396990.

Oviedo, Sonia. "Adolescent Pregnancy: Voices Heard in the Everyday Lives of Pregnant Teenagers." Thesis, University of North Texas, 1995. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc279259/.

Joubert, Anne-Marie. "When teenagers become mothers : teenagers' experiences of pregnancy and motherhood." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/4866.

Huttlinger, Kathleen Wilson. "The experience of pregnancy in teenage girls." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/184453.

Ekéus, Cecilia. "Teenage parenthood : paternal characteristics and child health outcomes /." Stockholm, 2004. http://diss.kib.ki.se/2004/91-7140-033-8/.

Pearce, Pamela Lipscomb Morreau Lanny E. "Characteristics of pregnant teenagers and attributes associated with self-image." Normal, Ill. Illinois State University, 1993. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ilstu/fullcit?p9323741.

Sodi, Edzisani Egnes. "Qualitative reflections on teenage motherhood experiences." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/50433.

Otterblad, Olausson Petra. "Teenage childbearing : pregnancy outcomes and long-term consequences for the mothers /." Stockholm, 2000. http://diss.kib.ki.se/2000/91-628-3953-5/.

McCartney, Karen. "The socio-cultural construction of teenage motherhood in Santa-Maria, Trinidad." Thesis, Queen's University Belfast, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.388835.

Alonso, Gabriela. "Latinas in higher education: Overcoming barriers of teenage pregnancy." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2002. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/2205.

Ortiz, Lisa M. "Educational Attainment among High-Risk Teenage Mothers." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2007. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3929/.

Njoora, Jane Gathoni. "Listening to the voice of school-going teenage mothers : a case study of their needs and supports /." view abstract or download file of text, 2003. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/uoregon/fullcit?p3102183.

Kidger, Judi Lois. "Young mothers as peer educators in school sex education : a beneficial approach?" Thesis, University of Bristol, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/1983/e2a5ba0d-7391-4fd5-b954-0937a72fc6ff.

Baker-Spann, Kelley Allison. "Restructuring life within the context of adolescent motherhood." Access restricted to users with UT Austin EID Full text (PDF) from UMI/Dissertation Abstracts International, 2001. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/fullcit?p3035936.

Parker, Lorien. "An ecological perspective of adolescents' need for support during pregnancy." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/6526.

Burns, Vicki E. "The experience of having become sexually active for adolescent mothers." Free to MU Campus, others may purchase, 2003. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p3091907.

Brown, Amber L. "The Effect of Breastfeeding Education on Breastfeeding Initiation Rates Among Teenage Mothers." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2004. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc5550/.

BETTS, SHERRY CROOP. "ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/184185.

Kumbin, Christine Vonkur. "Policy provision for school-aged mothers in Nigeria." Thesis, University of Bristol, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.297961.

Crenshaw, Cheryl Joseph. "Perceived social support systems of black and white pregnant adolescents." Connect to resource, 1987. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1166558112.

Haufiku, Anneli Ndapandula. "Teachers’ experiences and practices of support for school-going teenage mothers in Namibia." Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/86504.

Skuse, Tricia. "Adolescent motherhood : a longitudinal study of teenage and adult mothers over the first year." Thesis, Oxford Brookes University, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.389343.

Harrington, Patricia Watt. "Age, social support, and the development of maternal behaviors in first-time teen and first-time non-teen mothers /." Access Digital Full Text version, 1991. http://pocketknowledge.tc.columbia.edu/home.php/bybib/11169679.

Chigona, Agnes. "Promoting girls' education in South Africa : with special reference to teen mothers as learners." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1981.

Brace, Andrea Michelle. "Analysis of the effectiveness of the Circle of Care Program in increasing life outcomes among teen mothers in Troup County, Georgia." Master's thesis, Mississippi State : Mississippi State University, 2009. http://library.msstate.edu/etd/show.asp?etd=etd-03252009-094833.

Wai, Hoi-ka Jessica, and 韋海嘉. "Benefits of perceived social support in adolescent pregnancy: an integrative review." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2006. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B45011977.

Beesham, Nirupa. "The life-world of the schoolgirl-mother." Thesis, University of Zululand, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1156.

Chiyota, Namayuba. "Implementation of a Re-Entry Policy for Teenage Mothers in Zambian Secondary Schools." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/78508.

Hertfelt, Wahn Elisabeth. "Teenage childbearing in Sweden : support from social network and midwife /." Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2007. http://diss.kib.ki.se/2007/978-91-7357-289-7/.

Estrada, Luz. "Program evaluation of a mentoring program for teen mothers." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 1997. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/1301.

Mack, Julia M. "Pregnancy Intention Status: Its Influence on Maternal Behavior and Offspring Aggression." Bowling Green, Ohio : Bowling Green State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=bgsu1268690730.

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  • Research article
  • Open access
  • Published: 25 May 2016

Teenage pregnancy: the impact of maternal adolescent childbearing and older sister’s teenage pregnancy on a younger sister

  • Elizabeth Wall-Wieler 1 ,
  • Leslie L. Roos 1 &
  • Nathan C. Nickel 1  

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth volume  16 , Article number:  120 ( 2016 ) Cite this article

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Risk factors for teenage pregnancy are linked to many factors, including a family history of teenage pregnancy. This research examines whether a mother’s teenage childbearing or an older sister’s teenage pregnancy more strongly predicts teenage pregnancy.

This study used linkable administrative databases housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP). The original cohort consisted of 17,115 women born in Manitoba between April 1, 1979 and March 31, 1994, who stayed in the province until at least their 20 th birthday, had at least one older sister, and had no missing values on key variables. Propensity score matching (1:2) was used to create balanced cohorts for two conditional logistic regression models; one examining the impact of an older sister’s teenage pregnancy and the other analyzing the effect of the mother’s teenage childbearing.

The adjusted odds of becoming pregnant between ages 14 and 19 for teens with at least one older sister having a teenage pregnancy were 3.38 (99 % CI 2.77–4.13) times higher than for women whose older sister(s) did not have a teenage pregnancy. Teenage daughters of mothers who had their first child before age 20 had 1.57 (99 % CI 1.30–1.89) times higher odds of pregnancy than those whose mothers had their first child after age 19. Educational achievement was adjusted for in a sub-population examining the odds of pregnancy between ages 16 and 19. After this adjustment, the odds of teenage pregnancy for teens with at least one older sister who had a teenage pregnancy were reduced to 2.48 (99 % CI 2.01–3.06) and the odds of pregnancy for teen daughters of teenage mothers were reduced to 1.39 (99 % CI 1.15–1.68).

Although both were significant, the relationship between an older sister’s teenage pregnancy and a younger sister’s teenage pregnancy is much stronger than that between a mother’s teenage childbearing and a younger daughter’s teenage pregnancy. This study contributes to understanding of the broader topic “who is influential about what” within the family.

Peer Review reports

The risks and realities associated with teenage motherhood are well documented, with consequences starting at childbirth and following both mother and child over the life span.

Teenage births result in health consequences; children are more likely to be born pre-term, have lower birth weight, and higher neonatal mortality, while mothers experience greater rates of post-partum depression and are less likely to initiate breastfeeding [ 1 , 2 ]. Teenage mothers are less likely to complete high school, are more likely to live in poverty, and have children who frequently experience health and developmental problems [ 3 ]. Understanding the risk factors for teenage pregnancy is a prerequisite for reducing rates of teenage motherhood. Various social and biological factors influence the odds of teenage pregnancy; these include exposure to adversity during childhood and adolescence, a family history of teenage pregnancy, conduct and attention problems, family instability, and low educational achievement [ 4 , 5 ].

Mothers and older sisters are the main sources of family influence on teenage pregnancy; this is due to both social risk and social influence. Family members both contribute to an individual’s attitudes and values around teenage pregnancy, and share social risks (such as poverty, ethnicity, and lack of opportunities) that influence the likelihood of teenage pregnancy [ 6 , 7 ]. Having an older sister who was a teen mom significantly increases the risk of teenage childbearing in the younger sister and daughters of teenage mothers were significantly more likely to become teenage mothers themselves [ 8 , 9 ]. Girls having both a mother and older sister who had teenage births experienced the highest odds of teenage pregnancy, with one study reporting an odds ratio of 5.1 (compared with those who had no history of family teenage pregnancy) [ 5 ]. Studies consistently indicate that girls with a familial history of teenage childbearing are at much higher risk of teenage pregnancy and childbearing themselves, but methodological complexities have resulted in inconsistent findings around “parent/child sexual communication and adolescent pregnancy risk” [ 10 ]. A review of family relationships and adolescent pregnancy risk found risk factors to include living in poor neighborhoods and families, having older siblings who were sexually active, and being a victim of sexual abuse [ 10 ]. Research around the impact of sister’s teenage pregnancy has been limited to mostly qualitative studies using small samples of minority adolescents in the United States [ 5 , 11 ].

To our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the impact of an older sister’s teenage pregnancy on the odds of her younger sister having a teenage pregnancy, and compared this effect with the direct effect of having a mother who bore her first child before age 20. By controlling for a variety of social and biological factors (such as neighborhood socioeconomic status, marital status of mother, residential mobility, family structure changes, and mental health), and the use of a strong statistical design—propensity score matching with a large population-based dataset—this study aims to determine whether teenage pregnancy is more strongly predicted by having an older sister who had a teenage pregnancy or by having a mother who bore her first child before age 20.

The setting of this study, Manitoba, is generally representative of Canada as a whole, ranking in the middle for several health and education indicators [ 12 , 13 ]. At the time of the 2011 Census, approximately 1.2 million people resided in Manitoba, with more than half (783,247) living in the two urban areas, Winnipeg and Brandon [ 14 ]. Teenage pregnancy rates in Manitoba exceed the national; in 2010 teenage pregnancy rates in Canada were 28.2 per 1000, in Manitoba the rate was 48.7 per 1000 [ 15 ]. The Manitoba teen pregnancy rates in 2010 were slightly lower than rates in England and Wales (54.6 per 1000), and the United States (57.4 per 1000) [ 16 , 17 ].

The Manitoba Population Health Research Data Repository contains province-wide, routinely collected individual data over time (going back to 1970 in some files), across space (with residential location documented using six digit postal codes), for each family (with changes in family structure recorded every 6 months) and for each resident. Health variables are measured continuously from physician claims and hospital abstracts (as long as an individual remains in Manitoba) [ 18 ].

A research registry identifies every provincial resident, with information on births, arrival and departure dates, and deaths created from the provincial health registry and coordinated with Vital Statistics files. Given approximately 16,000 births annually, follow-up (about 74 % over 20 years) is comparable to that in the largest cohort studies based on primary data [ 19 ]. Previous research using similar data shows the results are not biased by individuals leaving the province or dying. Information on data linkage, confidentiality/privacy, and validity of the datasets used have been described elsewhere [ 20 – 22 ]. Children are linked to mothers using hospital birth record information; the mother was noted in essentially all cases [ 23 ]. Sisters were defined as having the same biological mother.

The cohort consists of women who were born in Manitoba between April 1, 1979 and March 31, 1994, stayed in the province until at least their 20 th birthday, had at least one older sister, and had no missing values on key variables. In this study, teenage pregnancies are defined as those between the ages of 14 and 19; pregnancies prior to age 14 were excluded due to low numbers and for comparability to other studies. For this reason, families in which at least one sister had a pregnancy before age 14 were removed (34 families). To address threats of independence, when a family had more than one younger sister (more than two daughters), one younger sister was randomly selected. Figure  1 diagrams the selection trajectory for the 17,115 individuals selected—boxes in bold indicate the included cohort. At age 14, just over 85 % of girls in this cohort were living in the same postal code as at least one older sister.

Cohort selection

Teenage pregnancy was defined as having at least one pregnancy between the ages of 14 and 19 (inclusive). A pregnancy is defined as having at least one hospitalization of with a live birth, missed abortion, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, or intrauterine death, or at least one hospital procedure of surgical termination of pregnancy, surgical removal of ectopic pregnancy, pharmacological termination or pregnancy or intervention during labour and delivery. Pregnancy status was determined by ICD-9-CM codes (for diagnoses before April 1, 2004), ICD-10-CA codes (for diagnoses on or after April 1, 2004), and Canadian Classification of Health Intervention (CCI) codes in the hospital discharge abstract database [ 24 ]. Appendix 1 presents specific codes used to determine pregnancy status.

Independent variable

The independent variables of interest were whether an individual had an older sister with a teenage pregnancy (defined for all sisters as described above) and whether an individual’s mother bore her first child before age 20.

Based on an extensive literature review and availability of information in the database, several key variables describing neighborhood, maternal, and individual characteristics were included [ 4 , 25 ]. Covariates measure characteristics in the younger sister’s life before age 14. Neighborhood socioeconomic status at age 14 was measured by the Socioeconomic Factor Index (SEFI) (higher SEFI score corresponds with lower socioeconomic status), which is generated using Manitoba (Statistics Canada) dissemination areas [ 26 ]. This index combines neighborhood information on income, education, employment, and family structure. These neighborhoods typically include between 400 and 700 urban individuals and are somewhat larger in rural areas. Neighborhood location at age 14 was divided into urban (Winnipeg and Brandon), rural south (South Eastman, Central, and Assiniboine Regional Health Authorities), and rural mid/north (North Eastman, Interlake, Parkland, Nor-Man, Churchill, and Burntwood Regional Health Authorities). The maternal characteristic included is marital status at birth of child. An individual’s number of older sisters was also accounted for.

Three time-varying covariates between birth and age 13 for the younger sister were included in the study- mental health conditions, residential mobility, and family structure change. These variables can occur at specific points in time and the timing of their occurrence can differ across individuals. Mental health is defined using the Johns Hopkins University Adjusted Clinical Group (ACG) software; this software groups medical and hospital diagnoses over the course of a year into 27 Major Expanded Diagnostic Clusters (MEDCs) [ 27 ]. If for 1 year between birth and age 13, the diagnoses an individual received fell into the ‘Mental Health’ MEDC, that individual was categorized as having mental health conditions before age 13. Residential mobility was measured by at least one residential move (defined by change in six digit postal code) between birth and age 13. At least one change in family structure (parental divorce, death, marriage, remarriage) between birth and age 13 was noted as ‘family structure change’.

Low educational achievement has been linked to an increased risk of teenage pregnancy [ 28 ]. The earliest measure of educational achievement available is the Grade 9 Achievement Index, which was built on a technique developed by Mosteller and Tukey using enrollment files, course grades, and the provincial population registry [ 29 , 30 ]. As some of the individuals in this cohort experience their first pregnancy before completing grade 9, this covariate is only appropriate for girls having their first pregnancy after their 16 th birthday. Sensitivity testing was done with this population to determine how strongly educational achievement affected the odds of the variables of interest.

Analytic approach

The relationship between pregnancy during one’s teenage years and having an older sister who became pregnant during adolescence or having a mother who bore her first child as a teenager is confounded by many measured and unmeasured characteristics. We adjusted for these confounding characteristics using 2:1 propensity score matching [ 31 ]; two controls were matched with every case as this “will result in optimal estimation of treatment effect [ 32 ]”. Propensity score matching both enables adjustment for several confounders simultaneously and facilitates diagnostic tests to identify whether the adjustment strategy created comparable exposure groups (i.e., whether women with and without an older sister who got pregnant during adolescence are similar on observed characteristics) [ 31 ]. Logistic regression models were used to calculate propensity scores for two responses—the predicted probability of having an older sister having a teenage pregnancy and the predicted probability of having a mother bearing her first child before age 20. For each model, we investigated the comparability of our two groups—those with and without an older sister having a teenage pregnancy, and those with and without a mother who bore her first child as a teenager—using two diagnostics. A kernel density plot verified that the distribution of propensity scores in our two groups overlapped [ 33 ]; each case was matched to two controls using greedy matching [ 34 ]. Second, after matching, the balance of the covariates was assessed using standard differences and t-tests. Covariate balance was checked by t-statistics calculated for the standardized differences between cases and controls for each covariate before and after matching. Any point outside of the two vertical dotted lines signified a statistically significant difference between the cases and controls on that covariate (at p  = 0.05) (Figs.  2 and 3 ).

Checking covariate balance of older sister’s teenage pregnancy status

Checking covariate balance of mother’ teenage mom status

Conditional logistic regression analysis of the matched cohorts examined the impact of an older sister’s teenage pregnancy and of a mother’s teenage childbearing on teenage pregnancy. Sensitivity analysis helped assess the validity of the assumption of no unobservable confounders, and assessed how strong the influence of unobserved covariates would have to be in order to nullify our findings [ 35 , 36 ]. The lower limit of the 99 % confidence interval (selected to be more conservative) was used to determine the threshold unobserved covariates would have to reach to void the observed relationship.

Impact of older sister having a teenage pregnancy

Table  1 displays the descriptive statistics of the covariates and outcome variables. Of the girls having an older sister with a teenage pregnancy, 40.4 % had a teenage pregnancy. This is significantly higher than the 10.3 % teenage pregnancy rate among those not having an older sister with a teenage pregnancy.

The covariates, in general, accord with social stratification theory [ 37 ]. Teens with an older sister having a teenage pregnancy were also more likely to have been born to an unmarried mother and have a mother who herself was a teenage mother (43 % versus 14 %). At age 14, approximately 42 % of those whose older sister had a teenage pregnancy lived in Rural Mid/Northern Manitoba; only 22 % of those whose older sister did not have a teenage pregnancy lived in this region at age 14. Lower teenage pregnancy was associated with residence in relatively prosperous southern Manitoba. Individuals with older sisters having teenage pregnancies were more likely to live in lower socioeconomic status neighborhood (higher SEFI scores at age 14) with higher rates of residential mobility (68 % vs 59 %), family structure change (28 % vs 16 %), and mental health issues (19 % vs 16 %).

After propensity score matching (on all variables in Fig.  2 ), the final sample consisted of 1873 cases and 3746 controls (1:2); a total of 1618 cases and 9878 controls were excluded from the analysis. T-statistics calculated for each covariate before and after matching to check for covariate balance; all covariates differed significantly in the unmatched sample and balanced in the matched sample (Fig.  2 ).

The final conditional logistic regression model indicates the odds of becoming pregnant before age 20 for those having an older sister with a teenage pregnancy to be 3.38 (99 % CI 2.77–4.13) times greater than for girls whose older sister(s) did not have a teenage pregnancy (Table  3 ).

Impact of mother’s teenage childbearing

Table  2 displays the descriptive statistics of the covariates and outcome variables. Of the girls having a teenage mother, 39.4 % had a teenage pregnancy. This is significantly higher than the 13.1 % teenage pregnancy rates among those whose mother bore her first child after age 19.

After propensity score matching (on all variables in Fig.  3 ), the final sample consisted of 1522 cases and 3044 controls (1:2); a total of 659 cases and 11890 controls were excluded from the analysis. T-statistics calculated for each covariate showed all covariates to differ significantly in the unmatched sample and to balance in the matched sample (Fig.  3 ).

The final conditional logistic regression model indicates that the odds of becoming pregnant before age 20 for those whose mother had her first child before age 20 are 1.57 (99 % CI 1.30–1.89) times greater than for girls whose mother had her first child after age 19 (Table  3 ). Thus, the impact of being born to a mother having her first child before age 20 on teenage pregnancy is much less than that of an older sisters’ teenage pregnancy.

Sensitivity analysis and limitations

With the confidence interval for the first model (examining the association between an older sister’s teenage pregnancy and a younger sister’s teenage pregnancy) ranging between 2.77 and 4.13, to attribute the higher rates of teenage pregnancy to unmeasured confounding rather than to an older sisters’ teen pregnancy status, that covariate would need to generate more than a 2.8-fold increase in the odds of teenage pregnancy and be a near perfect predictor of teenage pregnancy. In the second model (assessing the association between a mother’s teenage childbearing and a younger sister’s teenage pregnancy), the 99 % confidence interval was 1.30 to 1.89; unobserved covariates would need to produce a much smaller increase in odds of teen pregnancy to nullify this finding.

Although linkable administrative data have significant advantages, some important predictors are lacking. Information on involvement with Child and Family Services (CFS) and parental use of income assistance have recently been added to the Manitoba databases, but do not cover the cohort used here. While having a teenage mother and becoming a teenage mother have both been linked to involvement with CFS, in 2001 less than two percent of children under age 18 were in care [ 38 , 39 ]. A variable available (and applicable) for a subpopulation is educational achievement, which is highly correlated with both involvement with CFS and parental welfare use [ 40 ]. These two new measures would likely explain little additional variance in teenage pregnancy. Appendix 2 describes the cohort and propensity score matching for this additional analysis, comparing these findings with the original results in Table  3 . Educational attainment is measured using the Grade 9 Achievement Index, a standardized measure taking into account the number of courses completed in Grade 9 and the average marks of those courses. After adjusting for educational achievement, the odds of teenage pregnancy for teens with at least one older sister who had a teenage pregnancy were reduced to 2.48 (99 % CI 2.01–3.06) and the corresponding odds for teen daughters of teenage mothers were lowered to 1.39 (99 % CI 1.15–1.68).

The rate differences of teenage pregnancy were similar for those whose older sister had a teenage pregnancy (40.4 per 100 - 10.3 per 100 = 30.1 per 100) and for those whose mother bore her first child before age 20 (39.4 per 100 - 13.1 per 100 = 26.3 per 100). After propensity score matching on a series of variables, the odds of becoming pregnant for a teenager were much higher if her older sister had a teenage pregnancy than if her mother had been a teenage mother. For both older sisters’ teenage pregnancy and mother’s teenage childbearing, the odds in this study are lower than those reported elsewhere; this is likely due to the larger sample size, more rigorous methods, and inclusion of important predictors.

Several examinations of family histories in the literature show older sisters to have the greatest influence on a younger sister’s odds of having a teenage pregnancy. Controlling for family socioeconomic status, maternal parenting, and sibling relationships, teens with an older sister who had a teenage birth were 4.8 times more likely to have a teenage birth themselves; these odds increased to 5.1 if both the older sister and mother had a teenage birth [ 11 ]. Four older studies estimated the rate of teen pregnancy to be between 2 and 6 times higher for those with older sisters having a teenage pregnancy [ 41 ]. This work focused primarily on young black women in the United States and controlled for limited confounders (aside from race and age). None of the previous studies examining the impact of an older sister’s teenage pregnancy controlled for mother’s teenage childbearing or time-varying factors before age 14 (mental health, residential mobility, family structure changes); this research probably overestimated the relationship between sisters’ teenage pregnancy status.

The mechanisms driving the relationship between an older sister’s teenage pregnancy and the pregnancy of a younger adolescent sister have been examined through approaches based on social learning theory, shared parenting influences, and shared societal risk [ 41 ]. Bandura’s social learning theory indicates that “most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action” [ 7 ]. When sisters live in the same environment, seeing an older sister go through a teenage pregnancy and childbirth may make this a more acceptable option for the younger sister [ 11 ]. Not only do both sisters have the same maternal influence that may affect their odds of teenage pregnancy, having an older sister who is a teenage mother may change the parenting style of the mother. Mothers involved in parenting of their teenage daughters’ child may have “supervised their children less, communicated with their children less about sex and contraception, and perceived teenage sex as more acceptable when the older daughter’s status changed from pregnant to parenting” [ 42 ]. Finally, both sisters share the same social risks, such as poverty, ethnicity, and lack of opportunities, that increase their chances of having a teenage pregnancy [ 42 ].

Having a mother bearing her first child before age 20 was a significant predictor for teenage pregnancy. We found daughters of teenage mothers to be 51 % more likely to have a teenage pregnancy than those whose mothers were older than 19 when they bore their first child. This is quite close to the 66 % increase found by Meade et al (2008), who controlled for many of the same variables except having an older sister with a teenage pregnancy, and the time-varying covariates of family structure change, mental health conditions, and residential mobility. Meade et al. [ 9 ] did adjust for school performance; in the adjusted sub-sample, the odds ratio reduced to 1.34, indicating a 34 % increase in teenage pregnancy.

Intergenerational teenage pregnancy may be influenced by such mechanisms as “biological heritability, intergenerational transmission of values regarding family, the mother’s level of fertility, the indirect impact of socioeconomic and family environment through educational deficits or low opportunity or aspirations, and directly through the mother’s role modeling” [ 43 ]. Women bearing their first child in their adolescence are more likely to pass on “risky” characteristics, which could produce negative outcomes in their offspring [ 44 ]. Another mechanism identified as contributing to intergenerational teenage pregnancy is that daughters of teenage mothers have an increased internalized preference for early motherhood, have low levels of maternal monitoring, and are thus more likely to become sexually active at a young age and engage in unprotected sex [ 44 ]. The influence of a mother’s teenage pregnancy therefore works through the environment created and parenting style assumed as a result of a mother’s teenage childbearing.

The use of administrative data to conduct health services research has some significant advantages and limitations. Administrative data from a large birth cohort have higher levels of accuracy is not depending on recall (such as in retrospective surveys) and is ideal for examining risk factors over time due to the longitudinal follow-up [ 45 ]. These data—with a large N and a number of covariates—are well-suited for propensity scoring. A significant limitation (shared with almost all observational studies) is that certain covariates and mediating effects are unobservable due to lack of information. The data can only capture recorded variables; for example, only individuals seeking mental health treatment will receive a diagnosis, which may not be include all individuals with mental health conditions [ 46 ]. Sensitivity testing addresses this limitation, but such covariates might well have impacted study results. As mentioned above, not adjusting for involvement with child protective services (such as CFS) is a limitation. Although the number of teenage girls involved with CFS is relatively small, they may not be interacting with their mother or older sister on a regular basis and thus are less likely to model themselves after their family members. The availability of an educational predictor was an identified limitation. To account for the impact of educational achievement in our full cohort, educational outcomes would need to be available for everyone for grade 7 at the latest (as almost all teenage pregnancies occur after grade 7). Since educational achievement generally remains quite similar from year to year—grade 9 achievement is likely to be quite similar to grade 7 achievement [ 30 ]; this reduced odds ratio may better estimate the true odds. In several years, such variables can be incorporated into models of teenage pregnancy. Additionally, we were unable to identify Aboriginal individuals; this is a limitation as teenage pregnancy rates are more than twice as high in the Aboriginal population than in the general population [ 47 ]. Family and peer relationships, social norms, and cultural differences will likely never be measured through administrative data; limiting the degree to which these confounders can be controlled for.

Conclusions

This paper contributes to understanding of the broader topic “who is influential about what” within the family. The teenage pregnancy risk seen in younger sisters when older sisters had a teenage pregnancy appears based on the interaction with that sister and her child; the family environment experienced by the siblings is quite similar. Much of the pregnancy risk among teenage daughters of mothers bearing a child before age 20 seems likely to result from the adverse environment often associated with early childbearing. Given that an older sister’s teenage pregnancy has a greater impact than a mother’s teenage childbearing, social modelling may be a stronger risk factor for teenage pregnancy than living in an adverse environment.

Abbreviations

Adjusted Clinical Group

Canadian Classification of Health Intervention

Child and Family Services

International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification

International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, with Canadian Enhancements

Major Expanded Diagnostic Clusters

Manitoba Centre for Health Policy

Socioeconomic Factor Index

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Acknowledgements

The results and conclusions are those of the authors and no official endorsement by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Manitoba Health, Active Living and Seniors, or other data providers is intended or should be inferred. Data used in this study are from the Population Health Research Data Repository housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba and were derived from data provided by Manitoba Health, Active Living and Seniors and Manitoba Education under project #2013/2014-04. All data management, programming and analyses were performed using SAS® version 9.3. Aggregated Diagnosis Groups™(ADGs®) codes were created using The Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Group® (ACG®) Case-Mix System” version 9.

This research has been supported by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and the Western Regional Training Centre. The funding sources had no involvement in study design, analysis and interpretation of data, in writing the article, and in the decision to submit for publication. None of the authors received any reimbursement for participating in the writing of this paper.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets supporting the conclusions of this article are available in the research repository at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. Access to data is given upon approvals from the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board and the Health Information Privacy Committee, and permission from all data providers. More information on access to these databases can be found at http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/community_health_sciences/departmental_units/mchp/resources/access.html .

Authors’ contributions

EW participated in the design of the study, carried out the analysis and drafted the manuscript. LR conceived of the study, and participated in its design and coordination and helped to draft the manuscript. NN participated in its design and interpretation of results. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Authors’ information

EW is a PhD candidate in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. LLR is a Distinguished Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba and a founding director of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. NCN is a Research Scientist at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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This study involved secondary analysis of de-identified data files only, with linkages to other files where identifiers have been removed or scrambled. Consent was not obtained from study subjects, as permitted under section 24(3)c of the Personal Health Information Act. Ethics approvals for this project were obtained from the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board (reference number 2013-033) and the Health Information Privacy Committee (reference number 2013/2014-04).

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Pregnancy diagnosis codes

Teenage pregnancy is defined as females with a hospitalization with one of the following diagnoses (MCHP, 2013):

○ live birth: ICD-9-CM code V27, ICD-10-CA code Z37

○ missed abortion: ICD-9-CM code 632, ICD-10-CA code O02.1

○ ectopic pregnancy: ICD-9-CM code 633, ICD-10-CA code O00

○ abortion: ICD-9-CM codes 634-637 ICD-10-CA codes O03-O07; or

○ intrauterine death: ICD-9-CM code 656.4, ICD-10-CA code O36.4

Or, a hospitalization with one of the following procedures:

○ surgical termination of pregnancy: ICD-9-CM codes 69.01, 69.51, 74.91; CCI codes 5.CA.89, 5.CA.90

○ surgical removal of extrauterine (ectopic) pregnancy: ICD-9-CM codes 66.62, 74.3; CCI code 5.CA.93

○ pharmacological termination of pregnancy: ICD-9-CM code 75.0; CCI code 5.CA.88; or

○ interventions during labour and delivery, CCI codes 5.MD.5, 5.MD.60

Adjustment for educational achievement

To account for the impact of educational achievement on teenage childbearing, the grade 9 achievement index was adjusted for in a sub-population of individuals who had not had a pregnancy prior to age 16 (Fig.  4 ). As educational achievement was measured using the grade 9 achievement index (which is based on average marks in all classes and the number of credits earned during the school year [ 31 ], individuals had to have at least finished grade 9 before becoming pregnant to use this variable as a predictor.

Cohort adjustment

Older sister’s teenage pregnancy status

After propensity score matching, the final sample consisted of 1721 cases and 3442 controls (1:2). T-statistics were calculated for each covariate before and after matching to check for covariate balance (Fig.  5 ). Any point outside of the two vertical dotted lines signified a statistically significant covariate (at p  = 0.05). All covariates differed significantly in the unmatched sample. After matching, the t-statistics of all covariates fell within the non-significant region indicating balance in cases and controls.

Mother's teenage childbearing status

After propensity score matching, the final sample consisted of 1499 cases and 2998 controls (1:2). T-statistics were calculated for each covariate before and after matching to check for covariate balance (Fig. 6 ). Any point outside of the two vertical dotted lines signified a statistically significant covariate (at p = 0.05). All covariates differed significantly in the unmatched sample. After matching, the t-statistics of all covariates fell within the non-significant region indicating balance in cases and controls.

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Wall-Wieler, E., Roos, L.L. & Nickel, N.C. Teenage pregnancy: the impact of maternal adolescent childbearing and older sister’s teenage pregnancy on a younger sister. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 16 , 120 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0911-2

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Received : 20 January 2016

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Published : 25 May 2016

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0911-2

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  • Speak about the effects of pregnancy prevention programs on reducing repeat teen pregnancies.
  • Analyze the relationship between early pregnancy and sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
  • What are the major economic effects of increased contraceptive access among young women?
  • Analyze the role of family dynamics and structure in teenage pregnancy prevention efforts.
  • Write about the impact of legal and policy interventions on reducing teenage pregnancy rates in the United States.
  • What are some cultural stereotypes regarding teen pregnancy?
  • How does stigma affect attitudes toward teenage pregnancy and parenting?
  • What are some of the determinant factors of the high adolescent pregnancy rate in Africa?

The US has the highest rates of teen pregnancies among developed nations.

Teenage Pregnancy Topics for Quantitative Research

  • Factors affecting teen pregnancy rate among African Americans.
  • Teen birth rate disparity in underrepresented groups.
  • Why has teen pregnancy been on the decline?
  • An international perspective on the teen pregnancy rate in the US.
  • Is sexual abstinence effective against early childbearing?
  • The median age of sexual activity: teen pregnancy implications.
  • How can we prevent adolescent pregnancies in catholic schools?
  • How does sex education impact Hispanic teen pregnancy rates?
  • The birth rate of American Indian and Alaska Native teens.
  • How does teen pregnancy affect the rate of graduation from high school?

Recent quantitative research shows us that the teenage pregnancy rate decreases every year. This tendency started in 1991 and it still continues. Quantitative studies use numbers and statistics, and they help estimate the problem’s scope. You can write a survey of your own using the topics above.

Qualitative Research Topics about Teenage Pregnancy

  • Educational factors affected by teen pregnancy.
  • Teen pregnancy in Nebraska: qualitative analysis.
  • Chicago African American teen pregnancies: insights from the community.
  • Community leadership and teen pregnancy: core preventers.
  • Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases: an interview-based study.
  • How to address the issue of access to sex education among Hispanic teen mothers.
  • Teen pregnancy risk factors: things we still need to address.
  • Sexual abuse and teen pregnancy: victim analysis.
  • Determine essential areas of assistance for teen mothers.

Qualitative research deals with personal perspectives and often uses methods such as questionnaires. It helps determine the causes that lead to teenage pregnancy. Unhealthy childhood environments, domestic violence, and inaccessibility of education are the major factors influencing the chances of early pregnancy that you can research in your paper.

🔮 Creative Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics

  • Teen pregnancy among African Americans: a call for help.
  • Adolescent pregnancy rates in Catholic schools.
  • Sexual abstinence education and the Holy Bible.
  • Explore the role of influencers, peer pressure, and online communities on teen pregnancies.
  • Assistance for teen mothers: stopping the shaming.
  • Spotting a sexual abuse victim: do not ignore teens.
  • Compare different approaches to sex education and evaluate their effectiveness.
  • The median age of sexual activity: what our leaders must do.
  • God, adolescence, and motherhood: a catholic perspective.
  • Explore the intersectional issues of sexism, racism, and classism in early parenthood.

In your essay on teenage pregnancy, you may look at the problem of early motherhood from a more unusual angle. For example, study the threats to young mothers, such as the absence of proper healthcare, illegal abortion, and family abuse. Make sure to read plenty of scientific literature while writing your paper on one of our creative topics.

Causes of Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics

  • Evaluate the role of proper sex education in reducing teenage pregnancies.
  • How do parental relationships impact the likelihood of teen pregnancy?
  • Assess the effect of substance abuse on adolescent pregnancy rates.
  • Cultural and religious influences on teenage pregnancy rates in the US.
  • Is academic pressure a contributing factor in teen pregnancy?
  • Different family structures and teen pregnancy: a comparison.
  • What mental disorders are likely to lead to an early pregnancy?
  • Evaluate the effects of early sexual activity on the likelihood of teen pregnancy.
  • Analyze various community programs and their impact on reducing teen pregnancy.
  • How do various parenting styles influence early pregnancy rates?
  • Psychological factors and emotional drivers of adolescent pregnancy.
  • Does lack of communication contribute to teen pregnancy?
  • How do disparities in education contribute to teenage pregnancy rates?

The causes of teenage pregnancy are numerous, and some are more studied than others. For example, the effect of social media on early motherhood is a relatively new phenomenon that you can research in your essay about teenage pregnancy.

💡 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Prompts

Does access to condoms prevent teenage pregnancy: essay prompt.

  • Access to condoms might result in an even higher rate of teenage pregnancies. In your essay, you can analyze previous research about the increase in adolescent pregnancies due to widespread condom distribution in schools.
  • Access to condoms should come together with mandatory counseling. You might suggest this or other ways to make access to contraception methods more efficient in preventing teenage pregnancies.
  • Sex education should be offered in all schools. Teenagers should have access to birth control and know how to use it to prevent unintended teenage pregnancy. Do you agree with this idea?

Teenage Pregnancy Solution Essay Prompt

  • Ways in which parents and guardians can prevent early pregnancies. For example, parents can ask healthcare providers to educate their teenage children on the topic of contraception. Analyze these and other ways in which they may prevent adolescent pregnancies.
  • The role of governments in teenage pregnancy prevention. Governments should raise awareness of the issue by developing programs and providing affordable family planning services. You might suggest other ways for the governments to contribute.
  • What should teenagers do to avoid unwanted pregnancies? Some of the options are birth control methods and open conversations with their parents. What other options are there?

Teenage Pregnancy and Poverty Essay Prompt

  • The correlation between poverty rate, education level, and teenage pregnancy. Many adolescent mothers live in poverty and lack education due to their social status. Your essay can analyze how these factors interact and result in early pregnancies.
  • How does poverty lead to health issues in teenage mothers? Young mothers and children born in poverty have a high chance of developing health problems. Pregnancy is a vulnerable period in a woman’s life, and poverty only aggravates it. The risks include preterm birth and even infant death.

Causes and Effects of Teenage Pregnancy Essay Prompt

  • The effect of alcohol and drugs on teenage pregnancy rates. Due to frequent social gatherings, alcohol, and drugs might become a part of a teenager’s life. Your cause-and-effect essay may analyze how substance use may lead to early unwanted pregnancy.
  • How do TV shows influence teen pregnancy rates? The media often romanticizes this issue, which is why some teenagers may fail to understand the actual consequences of their decision to have children early. You may also analyze reality shows about teen pregnancy that take a more realistic approach, like 16 and Pregnant .
  • The effect of early pregnancy on the future child’s parenting approach. Research shows that a teen mother’s child has a high chance of also becoming a teen parent . You might analyze this phenomenon in your paper.

📑 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Examples: Top 10

Want some more inspiration? Check out these outstanding examples:

  • Teenage Pregnancy in Barking and Dagenham Borough
  • School Sex Education and Teenage Pregnancy in the United States
  • Teenage Pregnancy: Causes, Education, Prevention
  • Teenage Pregnancy, Its Health and Social Outcomes
  • Teenage Pregnancy and Its Negative Outcomes
  • Teenage Pregnancy in the United Kingdom

🤔 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Writing Tips

Now that you’ve chosen a topic, it’s time to write an excellent teenage pregnancy essay. But how do you do it? Follow our helpful tips!

Teenage Pregnancy Essay Introduction

When writing an introduction , use a traditional structure:

  • Present the problem you are addressing with some background info.
  • State your position and the main points of your argumentation in a thesis statement .

Teenage pregnancy is among the leading causes of maternal mortality. Complicated pregnancy or traumatic childbirth causes the death of almost 30,000 adolescent girls every year. These alarming statistics prove that it is crucial to search for more efficient ways of reducing the teenage pregnancy rate.

Steps to writing a teenage pregnancy essay introduction.

Teenage Pregnancy Essay Body

The body paragraphs help you develop your argumentation. A standard 5-paragraph essay includes three body paragraphs. Each one conveys a key idea supported by evidence, such as interviews, statistics, and journal articles.

Here’s what one such paragraph may look like:

Research shows that proper sex education helps reduce the number of teenage pregnancies. According to a recent study by the University of Washington based on a national survey of 1,719 teenagers, comprehensive sex education more effectively reduces the early birth rate than the traditional abstinence-only approach.

Conclusion for an Essay About Teenage Pregnancy

An effective conclusion should draw attention to the problem and key points of the essay. Rephrase your thesis and give a short summary of your arguments:

Education is the key factor that leads to a reduction in teenage pregnancy. Statistical analysis shows that girls who do not get the proper education more often get pregnant before reaching adulthood. Literature analysis proves that adding comprehensive sex education to the school curriculum effectively reduces the teenage pregnancy rate. Thus, providing girls with proper education is an effective way to reduce the number of adolescent mothers.

Share this article with your friends and leave your comments below if you liked it! We are always happy to receive your feedback. Can’t choose the topic for your essay? Feel free to use our topic generator .

Further reading:

  • Teenage Smoking Essay: Writing about Smoking Students
  • 290 Good Nursing Research Topics & Questions
  • 380 Powerful Women’s Rights & Feminism Topics [2024]
  • 590 Unique Controversial Topics & Tips for a Great Essay
  • How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay: Outline, Examples, & Writing Steps
  • Adolescent Pregnancy: World Health Organization
  • About Teen Pregnancy: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Teenage Pregnancy: WebMD
  • Teenage Pregnancy: American Pregnancy Association
  • Adolescent Pregnancy: UNFPA
  • Teenage Pregnancy: Healthline
  • Trends in Teen Pregnancy and Childbearing: US Department of Health & Human Services
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    Still, formulating a teenage pregnancy thesis statement might be a challenge. To make it easier for you, we've prepared some examples. The complications associated with early pregnancies are the main cause of death for 15-19-year-old girls in the world; therefore, the problem of teenage pregnancy needs to be addressed on the governmental ...

  2. Thesis Statement On Teen Pregnancy

    The need for birth control has grown due to increased sexual activity in teens. Each year 850,000 adolescent girls become pregnant. 41.3% of pregnancy are teens 15-19 years old and 20% of abortions are teens. With the growing use of birth control in teens in the last decade teen pregnancy rates are steadily going down. Read More.

  3. Essay Thesis Statement on Teenage Pregnancy

    Uganda has one of the highest levels of teenage pregnancy ranked 14th out of 54 countries in Africa, with 24% of adolescents (13-19 years) in 2011; who were already mothers or pregnant with their first child. Currently, the average prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Uganda is as high as 25%, with 27% in rural areas and 19% in urban areas.

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  5. PDF CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT

    1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT. Adolescent pregnancy has long been a worldwide social and educational concern for the developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. Many countries continue to experience high incidence of teenage pregnancy despite the intervention strategies that have been put in place. In 1990 approximately 530,000 teenagers in the ...

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    Thesis Statement about Teenage Pregnancy. Every 26 seconds a teenage girl becomes pregnant. Refers to adolescent girls, usually within the ages of 13-19 who haven't reached legal adulthood, who become pregnant. Research and statistics show that most of these girls that become teen moms are more likely to become financially unstable, drop out ...

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    Short Argumentative Essay About Teen Pregnancy - 300 Word Short Custom Essay. Teenage pregnancy is defined as the occurrence of pregnancy among young girls aged 10 to 19 years old. Teen moms suffer their whole life due to a lack of information about safe sex and reproductive health. The tread in most schools as soon as the children hit ...

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  15. Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes and Risk Factors

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  17. Teenage Pregnancy: Its Effects and Their Coping Strategies

    Abstract. Teenage pregnancy has been a societal problem over the last decades in various provinces in the Philippines. These incidents categorically hampered teenagers' lives as they affected ...

  18. Teenage pregnancy: the impact of maternal adolescent childbearing and

    Background Risk factors for teenage pregnancy are linked to many factors, including a family history of teenage pregnancy. This research examines whether a mother's teenage childbearing or an older sister's teenage pregnancy more strongly predicts teenage pregnancy. Methods This study used linkable administrative databases housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP). The ...

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  20. 124 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics + Examples

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