Pregnant teens need immediate medical checkups

Finding out your teen is pregnant and plans to have the baby can be scary for parents. During this emotional time it’s important for a young expectant mother to receive prenatal care immediately.

“Even though most teen girls produce healthy babies, whether they do often depends on if they receive adequate medical care,” says Dr. Ellen Wilson, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Checkups are especially critical during the early months of pregnancy.”

A health care provider can tell your teen what to expect during her pregnancy, how to take care of herself and her growing baby, and how to prepare for life as a parent.

“Knowing what to expect can alleviate some of the fears a teen has about being pregnant,” Dr. Wilson says. “A health care provider can recommend classes teens can take on pregnancy, giving birth and parenting. They can also suggest lifestyle changes the teen will need to make to improve her health and that of her baby.”

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/obgyn to learn more about clinical services in obstetrics and gynecology at UT Southwestern.

Media Contact: Erin Prather Stafford