Facts

According to WHO, about 16 million women 15–19 years old give birth each year, they account for about 11% of all births worldwide. Ninety-five per cent of these births occur in low- and middle-income countries. Half of all adolescent births occur in just seven countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria and the United States.

The problem: In low- and middle-income countries, almost 10% of girls become mothers by age 16 years, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa and south-central and south-eastern Asia.

The proportion of women who become pregnant before age 15 years varies enormously even within regions – in sub-Saharan Africa

Situation analysis: Having a child outside marriage is not uncommon in many countries; Births to unmarried adolescent mothers are far more likely to be unintended and are more likely to end in induced abortion.

The Dangers: Adolescents aged 10-19 years account for 11% of all births worldwide, they account for 23% of the overall burden of disease (disability- adjusted life years) due to pregnancy and childbirth.

14% of all unsafe abortions in low- and middle-income countries are among women aged 15–19 years. About 2.5 million adolescents have unsafe abortions every year, and adolescents are more seriously affected by complications than are older women.

Health Consequences: Many health problems are particularly associated with negative outcomes of pregnancy during adolescence. These include anaemia, malaria, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, postpartum haemorrhage and mental disorders, such as depression.

Stillbirths and death in the first week of life are 50% higher among babies born to mothers younger than 20 years than among babies born to mothers 20–29 years old.

Deaths during the first month of life are 50–100% more frequent if the mother is an adolescent versus older, and the younger the mother, the higher the risk.

The rates of preterm birth, low birth weight and asphyxia are higher among the children of adolescents, all of which increase the chance of death and of future health problems for the baby.

Pregnant adolescents are more likely to smoke and use alcohol than are older women, which can cause many problems for the child and after birth.

Economic Consequences: Many girls who become pregnant have to leave school. This has long-term implications for them as individuals, their families and communities. Studies have shown that delaying adolescent births could significantly lower population growth rates, potentially generating broad economic and social benefits, in addition to improving the health of adolescents.

Way Forward: to reduce the rates of adolescent childbearing, strategies such education have proven to be effective. Age at first marriage is increasing in many countries, as are rates of contraceptive use among both married and unmarried adolescents.

Increasing educational levels for girls is the way forward as low education levels are closely associated with early childbearing.