Sexual and reproductive health in pregnant teenagers presenting for antenatal care or for termination

Summary 

Sexual health is an important public health issue with attention being paid to the development of national policy strategies for teenage pregnancy and reproductive health. A substantial proportion of pregnant adolescents engage in unprotected intercourse and risky sexual behaviours that may increase their risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy and beyond. Pregnant teenagers are also at high risk of subsequent teenage conceptions, with approximately one fifth of teenage pregnancies being to a teenager who has conceived previously. This review not only examines the sexual and reproductive health of pregnant teenagers presenting for antenatal care or for termination of pregnancy, but also outlines the value of promoting safe sex behaviours whilst still pregnant, followed by promotion of dual protection after termination or postpartum.

Keywords: Teenage pregnancy, Sexual behaviour, Sexually transmitted diseases