Adolescent pregnancy: a combined obstetric and pediatric management approach

During the past decade, the relative increase in adolescent pregnancy has forced physicians and other health professionals who provide services to teenagers to be aware of the factual data relating to teenage pregnancy and the pertinent social issues in order to serve as advocates for both the parent and the child. In this article, we review the existing demographic data regarding adolescent pregnancy in conjunction with current approaches to intervention programs for the maintenance of a stable environment and optimal development of the parent and the child.