Addressing developmental needs of pregnant adolescents

To appropriately meet the needs of pregnant adolescents, health care providers must evaluate the cognitive and psychosocial development of these clients. Differences in early, middle, and late adolescents who are pregnant are described. The impact of adolescent stages on accomplishing the developmental tasks of pregnancy are discussed. Nursing implications for assessment, communication techniques, teaching strategies, and family interventions are presented. A case study is included.