Her doctors realized the baby was not developing like he should be and that her fluid levels were dangerously low. Babies of teen mothers are at an increased risk of being born prematurely and at a low birth weight; giving birth before a baby is ready to be born puts the baby at a much higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, vision loss, intestinal issues and even death. This raises the probability of blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy and mental illnesses.

Teen mothers are also at a higher risk for high blood pressure and preeclampsia, a condition that combines high blood pressure and too much protein in the urine (causing swelling to the mother’s hands and face, and possibly organ damage). This can lead to further pregnancy complications, like premature birth.

Additionally, teen mothers who experience an unplanned pregnancy don’t realize they are pregnant right away and often don’t get the proper medical care soon enough. Some may not even have access to adequate prenatal care at all, and without the proper medical screenings and information, these pregnancies can become even higher risks for problems down the line.

Don’t put yourself in this situation–learn how to protect yourself and prevent a pregnancy before it starts. Talk to your health care provider and find the right birth control method for you.

Written by Lauren Mann of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy