What Are the Health Problems of Babies Born to Teenage Mothers?

Teenage pregnancy rates are high in the United States, which is a concern because babies born to teenage mothers are at higher risk for health problems than babies born to women in their 20s and 30s. It is important to recognize these health complications so that all measures can be taken to ensure that babies born to teenage mothers are strong and healthy.

Premature Birth

• Babies born to teenage mothers are more likely to be born prematurely. Premature babies are at higher risk for mortality in their first year. They are also subject to a variety of health risks such as neurological disorders, heart conditions, infections, respiratory troubles and intestinal problems. Premature babies are also at risk for long-term mental and growth disabilities.

Low Birth Weight

• Teenage mothers often do not gain a sufficient amount of weight during pregnancy because they are still developing and growing themselves. This leads to low birth weight for babies, which can result in a baby's death before age 1. Babies who are born at a low birth weight are also at risk for not having fully developed organs. This can cause respiratory and digestive problems and bleeding in the brain.

Inadequate Nutrition

• Teenagers are known for their poor eating habits, and it is often no different with pregnant teenagers. Teens are sometimes unaware of the proper nutrition they should have to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Teenagers are also more likely to indulge in habits such as smoking, using recreational drugs and drinking alcohol, which causes many health complications for babies. According to the March of Dimes, pregnant teenagers are also less likely to receive prenatal care, with many receiving no prenatal care at all.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 19 million reported cases of sexually transmitted infections every year, and 9 million of those are attributed to people between the ages of 15 and 24. Sexually transmitted diseases can be passed on to babies during pregnancy and birth. Infections such as syphilis, chlamydia and AIDS can cause vision problems for babies and can actually lead to death for both the baby and the mother.