The pediatrician's role in assisting teenagers to avoid the consequences of adolescent pregnancy
Rauh, J.L.
Pediatric Annals 22(2): 90
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0090-4481 PMID: 8493059 Document Number: 575755
The high rate of adolescent pregnancy remains one of the world's major medical/social problems. In the US, teens most at risk are young, Black or Hispanic, and poor. Serious medical and social sequelae may follow teen pregnancy. Comprehensive prenatal care provided by staff sensitive to the needs and concerns of adolescents; nutritional assessment and support services; schools for pregnant teens; and contraceptive and abortion services, however, reduce the seriousness of these sequelae and improve the quality of life for mothers and children over the long term. 4 realistic scenarios are offered in which practicing pediatricians have opportunities to help adolescents prevent pregnancy or improve its outcome. Ultimately, however, individual practitioners must decide which services will work best in the context of their practice and community.