Social and affective factors associated with adolescent pregnancy

Perceptions associated with pregnancy, including life-expectations, desire for pregnancy and knowledge of the menstrual cycle were assessed in a sample of urban adolescents 13 to 18 years old. Data was obtained from 104 primiparous teens in their second and third trimester of pregnancy. The majority of adolescents, although experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, perceived minimal negative social consequences associated with the pregnancy. Although more than 82% of all teens were aware of where to get birth control, they demonstrated no deep understanding of the menstrual cycle and its relationship to intercourse and only 11% used effective contraception. Of the birth control non-users 74% of the girls reported they did not want to get pregnant. In spite of unprotected coitus, most girls were surprised at conception.