Teenage motherhood: a nutritional risk?
October 2006A new study led by Dr Rebecca Jones of the School of Medicine is to look at whether pregnant teenagers’ unborn babies could be competing with their mothers for vital nutrients.
Teenage mothers are at an increased risk of pregnancy complications, particularly underweight babies or premature births. This can be devastating to the health of the baby, with very small babies 60% more likely not to survive or to suffer health problems. They can also go on to suffer lifelong disabilities or learning difficulties.
Rebecca said, “These problems are extremely distressing for the babies’ young mothers, who are still growing-up themselves, so we are keen to determine their causes. Our theory is that a teenage mother’s placenta, which delivers nutrients from her blood to her unborn baby and takes waste products away, could be affected if she is still growing during her pregnancy.
“There could be competition between the mother and her baby for essential nutrients. Added to this some teenagers have very poor eating habits, which means that their pregnant bodies are starting from an undernourished state.
“We will therefore also be looking at the effect of the mother’s diet on the way the placenta develops. The results could mean that, in the longer term, the nutritional needs of pregnant teenagers will be more closely monitored; and supplements or dietary advice given to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
“Globally this could help a staggering 15 million teenagers and their babies each year.”
