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What it is, and how to protect yourself
Pregnancy during adolescence can affect a young person’s education, health, emotional well-being, relationships and future.
What is teenage pregnancy?
Teenage pregnancy
Pregnancy occurring during adolescence, generally among girls aged 10–19 years.
It can happen early
A girl can become pregnant once ovulation begins, even if she has only recently started menstruating — and before she feels physically, emotionally or socially ready to be a mother.
Why it happens
Causes and what puts girls at risk.
- Limited knowledge about sexual health and reproduction
- Poor decision-making skills and low self-esteem
- Peer pressure and influence from social media
- Social gatherings (disco matanga, keshas, back-to-school parties), especially without adult supervision
- Persuasion by older boys and men
- Transactional sex (sex for money or gifts)
- Child marriage
- Alcohol and drug use
Dangers of early pregnancy
- Anaemia (lack of enough blood in the body)
- High blood pressure in pregnancy, which can be life-threatening
- Difficult labour because the body is still growing: it can cause lifelong injury or even death
- Unsafe abortion attempts that can end in death
- Low birth weight and premature babies
- Mental and emotional distress
- Education stopped for a time or for good, and fewer chances for further education and work
- Stigma, discrimination and rejection
Sex at a young age is risky, with or without pregnancy
Sex at a young age is dangerous even when no pregnancy happens. It exposes girls to HIV and other infections, to pressure, sexual violence and exploitation, and to fear, shame and emotional hurt.
Sex with a child under 18 is a crime in Kenya (defilement). It is never the girl’s fault.
Make healthy choices
- Practise abstinence from sex
- Concentrate on your education
- Develop personal career goals
- Set personal boundaries
- Avoid alcohol, drug and substance abuse
- Use social media wisely
- Spend time with productive friends
- Take part in sports and youth activities
Resist pressure from boys and men
- Say “No” clearly and firmly. You do not owe anyone an explanation
- Walk away, leave early or go with a trusted friend if you feel pressured
- Choose friends who respect your choices
- Gifts, money, lifts or promises are not love. You owe nothing in return
- Be careful with older boys and men who give you special attention or gifts
- Never accept sex in exchange for money or gifts
- Avoid being alone with someone who pressures you
- Tell a trusted adult if someone keeps pushing you
Pressure is not love
No one has the right to pressure or force you. Gifts or money do not mean you owe anyone anything.
Be careful when someone:
- Entices you to have sex
- Threatens you
- Controls your friends or your phone
- Demands sexual photographs
- Gives gifts in exchange for sex
- Uses alcohol or drugs to influence you
If it is a must that you have sex, use contraceptives.
They are readily available at nearby hospitals and clinics. Ask a health worker which method is right for you. Condoms also protect against HIV and other infections.
Key messages
- Protect your future: delay sexual activity until you are ready and able to make responsible decisions.
- Your body belongs to you. You have the right to set boundaries and say NO.
- No one should force you into sexual activity. This is sexual harassment. Report anyone who sexually harasses you.
- Talk to a trusted adult or qualified health worker when you have questions about sexual and reproductive health.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs that can impair your judgement and increase vulnerability.
- A healthy relationship is based on respect, consent, trust and responsibility.
- Pregnant adolescents need support, not stigma.
Early care protects you
Think you may be pregnant? See a health worker quickly. It is private and you will be helped.
Pregnancy can stop your dreams
But it does not have to be the end. With support, a girl can go back to school.