Because adolescence is a life period characterized by
profound biological, intellectual, and psychosocial
changes, it is important to assess the developmental
status of teenage clients in order to provide appropriate
prenatal care. Adolescent development has profound
implications for the ways in which teens experience
pregnancy and prenatal care. Additionally, the challenges
of pregnancy and parenting can greatly impact
the developmental trajectory of young women’s lives.
Identifying individuals’ developmental capacities and
issues allows health care providers to fully incorporate
developmentally appropriate strategies into the care of
pregnant and parenting teens.
Adolescent pregnancy and prenatal care pose many
challenges for health care providers. At the same time,
the delivery of prenatal services provides rich opportunities
to guide adolescents through the changes that
accompany both pregnancy and normal adolescent
development. The tasks involved in maintaining a
healthy pregnancy can serve as valuable experiences for
teenagers to explore and reinforce new developmental
capabilities. Health care services tailored to individuals’
developmental needs and abilities can play a critical role
in promoting the health and well-being of pregnant and
parenting teenagers.