Sexual abuse, adolescent pregnancy, and child abuse. A developmental approach to an intergenerational cycle

To elucidate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy.

Articles published in English during the past two decades and pertaining to the sequelae of childhood sexual abuse or the antecedents of adolescent pregnancy.

Studies that did not contain data pertinent to the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy were excluded.

Studies suggest that former victims of childhood sexual abuse may be at increased risk for conception during adolescence and that adolescent pregnancies that are antedated by childhood sexual abuse are often only one manifestation of socially deviant behavior.

Experiences associated with childhood sexual abuse may affect the incidence and the outcome of adolescent childbearing. Identification and treatment of previously abused adolescent prenatal patients may break this vicious intergenerational cycle of violence.