Teen pregnancy is a heavy topic in the United States that is becoming the norm for most people. It has been broadcast everywhere from TV shows, movies and the Internet. In the United States, approximately 7% of adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 will become pregnant. Teen pregnancies have declined 42% since 1990, yet teen pregnancy rates in the United States are higher than any other first-world country. Teenage pregnancy affects the teen's physical health, social life, education, and employment. Teen pregnancy causes physical health problems for both mother and baby. It has been stated, “9% of adolescent girls have low birth weight babies, less than 5.5 pounds.” (Howard Hughes) This can cause abnormalities in the baby. Teens who become pregnant at a young age tend to be malnourished or face premature or prolonged labor (Howard Hughes), which can cause mental and physical side effects for the newborn. Some effects on the teenage mother are the risk of getting anemia, hypertension, placental problems, and pregnancy includes hypertension (Howard Hughes). The teenager and child going through pregnancy is a very risky situation for both the child and the mother. “Teen mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during pregnancy, leading to low birth weight” (Stanley Swierzewski). Low birth weight can cause health problems for the baby that can last a lifetime. Many things can happen that lead to lifelong physical problems, from substance abuse to complications during pregnancy due to the mother's age. The experience of teenage pregnancy greatly affects a teenager's social life. “Teen pregnancy has major consequences when it comes to the people in your life. They may lose respect for you or they just don't... middle of paper... their money shouldn't be going to teenage parents. Teenage pregnancy develops physical abnormalities, an abnormal social life for a teenager, a decrease in education and can cause a financially unstable life. Lack of parental care can cause physical problems for both the child and the mother. The mother's social life can also be affected causing them to leave their friends behind while she cares for her newborn. Teen mothers are also more likely to drop out of high school due to complications in caring for their children. Stable jobs are typically harder to find due to lack of higher education and cause financial instability for the mother. Since its peak in 1990, teen pregnancy rates have fallen by 42% in 2008 (Healthyteennetwork.org), but this is still higher than any other first world country. Teen pregnancy is an ongoing battle and should be considered won once eradicated.