The children of adolescents are more likely to be born prematurely and 50% more likely to be low-- birth weight babies (less than 5 and half pounds) when compared to the children of mothers whose age was 20 or 21 when they first had they child. Teenagers often receive less adequate prenatal care - and receive it later - when special programs are not provided for them. When early, frequent, and quality obstetrical care is available, no increased risk is found in terms of the health of infants born to teenage mothers. The exception may be very young mothers, under 15 years of age.
