What nutritional concern is prevalent among medical risks for teen mothers?

Nutritional deficiencies are a significant concern for teen mothers due to various factors including limited access to adequate nutrition, lack of knowledge about healthy eating, and socio-economic challenges. During adolescence, individuals are still growing themselves, and pregnancy adds additional nutritional needs. Teen mothers may struggle to meet the increased requirements for essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium, which are crucial for fetal development and the health of the mother.

Malnutrition may refer to both undernutrition and overnutrition, but in the context of teen mothers, the focus is often on not receiving sufficient nutrients. Vitamin excess is less common and typically arises from inappropriate supplementation rather than a dietary pattern, which makes it less relevant in discussions about nutritional risks during pregnancy among adolescents.

Understanding the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies in this population highlights the importance of tailored nutritional support and education to promote healthier pregnancy outcomes.