In general, children born to teenage parents, especially those living with their mothers alone, appear to be more likely than other children to have continuing health problems. It is also a sound investment. 22 Prenatal care also leads to better nutrition for expectant mothers and infants, a key factor in children s healthy development. But expectant parents need information and guidance about the kinds of foods and food supplements that engender good health. Ideally, prospective parents should receive information and support even before they conceive a child.
Health care is unquestionably important in the early months of pregnancy.
And yet, many women still do not get adequate prenatal care. The percentage of expectant women who receive late or no prenatal care is 8.2 percent for African-American women, 7.6 percent for Hispanic women, and 3.6 percent for white women. Some expectant women lack health coverage that would pay for early visits. Efforts are needed to ensure that the public is better informed, that prenatal care is accessible and affordable, and that care is not delayed while eligibility is established. Aggressive outreach could encourage more prospective parents to seek early care.