Understanding Teen Pregnancy: Challenges and Support

By Jennifer Lemons, MS, CGC, MotherToBaby Texas TIPS

It was the longest three minutes of her life. As she opened her eyes to glance at the test, her heart stopped. She couldn’t breathe. Frantically, she tore open the instructions that came with the test to confirm what she already knew – she was pregnant. Tears threatened to fall as she laid her head on the bathroom stall. The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. It was time to go to class. But all she could think was, “I’m only 16…”

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, a crucial time to address the unique challenges a young pregnant mother may face. Teen pregnancy evokes a range of emotions and practical concerns, from “How am I going to finish school?” and “What will my parents think?” to more profound questions like “Should I keep the baby?” or “Could I have harmed the baby somehow?”

Teens often encounter misinformation from unreliable sources such as the internet, friends, and media. As a certified genetic counselor at MotherToBaby, this is concerning for both the mother and baby. When these young mothers reach out to us, whether by phone, in person, or via email, they find a trustworthy resource to help answer these critical, potentially life-changing questions.

MotherToBaby, a service of the nonprofit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), offers the most current, evidence-based information about potential harmful exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. From queries about bug repellant to illegal drug use, our professionals have seen it all. Here are some of the most common questions from young moms:

• Alcohol: “Can I drink any alcohol during my pregnancy?” No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Exposure to large amounts of alcohol, either through binge drinking or frequent consumption, increases the risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which can result in birth defects, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral problems.
• Cigarettes: “Why can’t I smoke cigarettes while pregnant?” Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals that can cross the placenta and harm the baby, potentially causing oral clefts, preterm delivery, low birth weight, miscarriage, and long-term issues like asthma and ADHD. It’s never too late to quit or reduce smoking.
• Marijuana: “Is it OK to smoke marijuana during pregnancy?” Conflicting information exists, but heavy marijuana use is associated with cognitive and behavioral problems in children. Smoking, regardless of the substance, poses risks similar to heavy cigarette use.
• Methamphetamines: “Is it OK to use methamphetamines while pregnant?” Methamphetamines should never be used during pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and withdrawal symptoms in newborns. The impact on birth defects is still under study.

The journey ahead for young parents is filled with questions, but accessing reliable, personalized risk assessments about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding is an essential step in building a support system.

About the Author: Jennifer Lemons, MS, is a certified genetic counselor and clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics at the University of Texas Medical School. She provides teratogen counseling for MotherToBaby TexasTIPS and genetic counseling services at the Gulf States Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Center in Houston. Special thanks to Meagan Giles, a second-year genetic counseling student at the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program, for her contributions.

MotherToBaby is a service of the international Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) and is recommended by agencies like the CDC. For questions about viruses, alcohol, medications, and other exposures, call MotherToBaby toll-free at 866-626-6847 or use the new text counseling service by texting (855) 999-3525. Visit MotherToBaby.org for fact sheets, expert emails, or live chat.