ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the superimposed physiology of pregnancy, and the concomitant psychosocial task of initiating a meaningful relationship with the opposite sex and of beginning parenthood. Adolescent pregnancy represents a triple developmental crisis to young women, that of adolescence, pregnancy, and establishing a relationship with a member of the opposite sex. Pregnant teenagers have the physiological and physiosocial demands of pregnancy superimposed on the developmental changes of puberty. Pregnancy can be thought of psychologically as a prelude to parenthood, with all its attendant joys as well as responsibilities. It is a time when all pregnant women tend to become inwardly directed and to focus on themselves and their personal concerns. Comprehensive prenatal care, however, implies an intensely dedicated and hard working staffs who understand exceedingly well the physiology of pregnancy as well as adolescence and the psychological adjustments of both life periods.
