Thursday, June 20, 2013

Adolescent pregnancy

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Teenage pregnancy; Pregnancy - teenage


Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms include:

  • Abdominal distention
  • Breast enlargement and breast tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Light-headedness or actual fainting
  • Missed period
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Frequent urination

Signs and tests

The adolescent may or may not admit to being involved sexually. If the teen is pregnant, there are usually weight changes (usually a gain, but there may be a loss if nausea and vomiting are significant). Examination may show increased abdominal girth, and the health care provider may be able to feel the fundus (the top of the enlarged uterus).

Pelvic examination may reveal bluish or purple coloration of vaginal walls, bluish or purple coloration and softening of the cervix, and softening and enlargement of the uterus.

  • A pregnancy test of urine and/or serum HCG are usually positive.
  • A pregnancy ultrasound may be done to confirm or check accurate dates for pregnancy.

Review Date: 09/02/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)