Why can early pregnancy be dangerous for me

Most girls’ bodies are not ready for a safe and healthy birth.

Young women are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia (which can cause seizures, “fits”) during pregnancy.

Because their bodies may still be too small for a baby to come out, mothers under age 17 are more likely to have long, difficult labors, and blocked births. Without medical help, a woman with any of these problems can die. Blocked births can also damage the vagina, causing urine and stool to leak.

Babies born to girls younger than 17 are more likely to be born too small or too soon.

If you are already pregnant, try to see a trained midwife or health worker as soon as possible to find out how to have the safest birth.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en020810