Which statement correctly describes outcomes for infants of adolescent mothers?

Which statement correctly describes outcomes for infants of adolescent mothers?

• A. Infants are typically of normal birth weight.
• B. Infants are less likely to be premature.
• C. Infants have no increased risk of exposure to substances.
• D. Infants are more likely to have low birth weight.

Answer: (D)

Risks of perinatal outcomes rise in adolescent pregnancy, especially for low birth weight. Infants of teenage mothers are more likely to be born preterm or to experience intrauterine growth restriction, often resulting in a birth weight under 2,500 grams. This increased risk stems from factors common in teen pregnancies, such as less consistent prenatal care, poorer maternal nutrition, and higher exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and other substances, as well as higher psychosocial stress. Because of these influences, normal birth weight is less likely and prematurity is more likely than in older mothers. The idea that there’s no increased risk of substance exposure isn’t accurate, since adolescent mothers have higher rates of substance use, which further contributes to low birth weight and other neonatal complications.

Risks of perinatal outcomes rise in adolescent pregnancy, especially for low birth weight. Infants of teenage mothers are more likely to be born preterm or to experience intrauterine growth restriction, often resulting in a birth weight under 2,500 grams. This increased risk stems from factors common in teen pregnancies, such as less consistent prenatal care, poorer maternal nutrition, and higher exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and other substances, as well as higher psychosocial stress. Because of these influences, normal birth weight is less likely and prematurity is more likely than in older mothers. The idea that there’s no increased risk of substance exposure isn’t accurate, since adolescent mothers have higher rates of substance use, which further contributes to low birth weight and other neonatal complications.