Teenage pregnancy

In Australia, the number of young women giving birth has decreased considerably over the last few decades. In 2008 the fertility rate among young people was 17.3 births per 1,000 women compared to 55.5 births per 1,000 women in 1971. This decrease is most likely due to improved sexuality (sex) education, the availability of contraception and access to abortion, rather than a decrease in sexual activity.

Young people who do give birth are more likely to keep their child rather than choose adoption. Changing social attitudes and government assistance mean parenting is a more acceptable option for many young women.

Youth pregnancy in Australia

Research shows that in Australia, over one-quarter of year 10 students and just over half of all year 12 students have experienced sexual intercourse. It is often assumed that all adolescent pregnancies are unplanned, but this is not always the case. Some young people plan to become pregnant or choose to not use contraception, despite knowing pregnancy is a possibility.

Five per cent of sexually active students report that they have experienced sex that resulted in a pregnancy. Youth pregnancy rates are higher among young people whose lives include the following risk factors:

• Family situations with regular conflict between members
• Violence and sexual abuse during childhood
• Unstable housing arrangements
• Poor school performance and attendance
• Low socioeconomic background
• Family history of pregnancies at a young age
• Low level of maternal education
• Low self-esteem
• Undisclosed same sex attraction
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status
• Living in rural and remote areas.

Pregnancy options for young women

An unplanned pregnancy can be a confusing event for a young person and the decision about what to do may be difficult and complex. A young woman will most likely require support from a range of people such as her partner, friends, parents, nursing and medical staff and counsellors.

These support networks can assist a young woman in choosing one of the following options:

• Parenting – continuing the pregnancy and caring for the child.
• Abortion (or termination) – a medical or surgical procedure whereby the fetus or embryo is removed or expelled from the uterus. In Victoria, there is no age restriction on abortion, as long as the woman has a clear understanding of the purpose, nature, risks, effects and alternatives.
• Adoption – a legal process by which a child becomes a member of a new family. Birth parents voluntarily relinquish all their legal rights and responsibilities in relation to their child.
• Foster care – the child lives with a temporary (foster) family until the young mother feels ready to cope as the primary carer.

Complications of youth pregnancy

Young women generally encounter more complications during pregnancy and childbirth than older women. Reasons for the higher complication rate include:

• Physical immaturity
• Lack of healthcare knowledge
• Poor preconception health – particularly if the pregnancy was unplanned
• Poor antenatal care or seeking care late in the pregnancy
• Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and the use of other recreational drugs – these can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight babies, birth defects and other complications
• Poor diet – including insufficient folate, which prevents certain birth defects
• High levels of emotional distress.

Social issues

The social stigma of being a single or young parent is less common in most parts of the Australian community than in previous decades. The availability of pensions and support services for young mothers means that parenting is now a viable option.

Many young people find looking after a baby the happiest time of their lives. Social issues that may arise with youth pregnancy include:

• Mothers not being able to complete their education, potentially resulting in long-term unemployment or job options that are poorly paid and insecure
• Dependency on welfare or on a poorly paid job, placing young mothers under greater financial pressure and often leading to poor housing arrangements and an inability to afford basic necessities
• Alienation from their family and friends
• Higher risk of maternal mental health issues, such as postnatal depression, than older mothers – most likely due to a number of factors including a lack of support, isolation from peers and family and financial pressures.

Pregnancy choices and counselling

Pregnancy counselling is generally available in all Australian states and territories. Ideally, counselling should support the young woman in making a free and fully-informed decision while considering all her options, including abortion, adoption, parenting and foster care.

Some young women feel uncomfortable or unable to talk with their partners, family or friends. Non-judgemental professional counselling can offer them a non-biased, private and confidential support service.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Your local community health centre
• Family Planning Victoria Tel. 1800 013 952 or (03) 9257 0100 or The Action Centre (for young people less than 25 years) Tel. 1800 013 952 or (03) 9654 4766
• Women’s health centre

Things to remember

• Fewer young people are giving birth, most likely due to improved sexuality (sex) education, availability of contraception and access to abortion.
• In 2008 the fertility rate among young people was 17.3 births per 1,000 women.
• Young women have a higher complication rate during pregnancy and childbirth than older women.
• Non-judgemental pregnancy counselling ideally supports the young woman in making a free and fully-informed decision while considering all her options.

You might also be interested in:

• Abortion - counselling options.
  
• Baby due date.
  
• Contraception - choices.
  
• Contraception - emergency contraception.
  
• Pregnancy - birth choices.
  
• Pregnancy - your options.
  
• Pregnancy and diet.
  
• Sex - are you ready.
  
• Sex education - talking to teenagers.
  
• Teenage health.
  
• Teenage pregnancy.
  
• Teenagers - sexual behaviour.
  
• Teenagers - sexual knowledge.
  

Want to know more?

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Family Planning Victoria

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: October 2010

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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Fewer young people are giving birth now than in the 1970s. This is most likely due to improved sexuality education, availability of contraception and access to abortion. Young women have a higher complication rate during pregnancy and childbirth. Non-judgemental pregnancy counselling supports young women to make free, fully-informed decisions while considering all options.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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