What is a significant medical risk for teen mothers?

The higher infant mortality rate is a significant medical risk for teen mothers due to multiple factors associated with the age and socio-economic circumstances surrounding teenage pregnancies. Generally, teen mothers often face greater challenges in accessing prenatal care, which is essential for monitoring both maternal and fetal health. They may also have limited access to health education, resources, and support systems that contribute to better maternal and infant health outcomes.

Moreover, teen mothers are more likely to experience complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and other health issues that can lead to increased infant mortality rates. Social determinants of health, including economic instability and lack of social support, can compound these medical risks and impact the overall health of both the mother and the infant.

In contrast, options like increased education opportunities and lower rates of anemia do not align with the known risks associated with teen motherhood. Additionally, while increased likelihood of graduating high school may seem like a potential benefit to older mothers or those with supportive systems, it generally does not apply to the majority of teenage mothers, who often face educational and socio-economic barriers. Thus, recognizing the higher infant mortality rate highlights a critical area of concern in perinatal health for teen mothers.