What is a common risk associated with teenage pregnancy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

Teenage pregnancy carries a significant risk of preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks of gestation).
This increased risk is linked to the mother's physiological immaturity, as her body may not be fully prepared for the demands of pregnancy.
Nutritional deficiencies are common, as the growing adolescent's body competes with the developing fetus for essential nutrients.
Other contributing factors include a higher incidence of infections and often delayed or inadequate prenatal care among this population.

Option A: While an increased risk of high blood pressure (pregnancy-induced hypertension) is a valid complication of teenage pregnancy, preterm birth is a more frequent and direct adverse outcome.
Option C: The risk of gestational diabetes is generally lower in teenage mothers compared to older pregnant women (e.g., over 35). Therefore, a decreased risk is not a complication or a negative outcome.
Option D: This is the opposite of what typically occurs. Teenage pregnancy is strongly associated with poor fetal outcomes like low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Risks and complications of teenage pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in providing non-judgmental, supportive care and education to pregnant adolescents, focusing on nutrition, signs of complications, and the importance of regular antenatal visits.
Early identification and management of risks like anemia, hypertension, and preterm labor are critical nursing responsibilities in this high-risk population.
What if? If a pregnant teenager has excellent family support and consistent prenatal care, her risks are reduced but not eliminated. The nurse must remain vigilant in monitoring for subtle signs of preterm labor, such as backache or pelvic pressure, as these can be easily dismissed by the young mother.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'common risk' and 'teenage pregnancy'. This directs you to recall the primary complications of adolescent pregnancy.
Evaluate each option based on established medical knowledge.
Option A (high blood pressure) is a known risk.
Option B (preterm birth) is also a very common and significant risk.
Option C (decreased gestational diabetes) is a comparative fact, not a risk or complication.
Option D (improved fetal growth) is factually incorrect; the risk is for poor growth.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1241-1243

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 2842-2844

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 250-252

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