All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 04–08 Jan 2009 · Birla Auditorium, Jaipur

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancies are a major public health issue because of their observed adverse effects on perinatal outcomes and long-term morbidity, which is usually, confounded however, by the high prevalence of poverty, low level of education, and single marital status among teenage mothers. Causes of adolescent pregnancy include early marriage, an early age at first intercourse and lack of contraceptive use. Major health risks to the baby include premature birth and low birth weight with their associated complications like mental retardation, physical disabilities, and prolonged hospital stay with risks of hospital acquired infections.