Physical and Emotional Repercussions of Pregnancy during Adolescence

Adolescence is a phase marked by physical, emotional and, social changes culminating with sexual development and final adult height, which occur at different stages during the second decade of life. Due to their characteristics of immaturity, impulsiveness, and tendencies to take risky behaviors with sexual activity starting earlier, adolescents are subject to becoming pregnant during the first years after menarche. This article presents some characteristics of the adolescent's growth and development and the repercussions of pregnancy on her physical growth and emotional maturity.