Suggests that freedom for the middle classes may mean vulnerability for the poor. The enthusiasm for sterilization may be so intense as to deprive the poor of their right not to be sterilized. (Author/AM)

This article discusses the health problems of many American mothers and babies, examines some of the causes of poor health, and emphasizes the need for society to recognize the importance of this national issue. (YRJ)

This paper reviews literature on teenage contraceptive behavior and teenage contraceptive decision making. The paper describes the persistence of a sexual double standard in terms of moral motivation to use contraception and in terms of the relative lack of communication about contraception among young partners. (Author)

Examined the sexual history of 2,003 young women to determine whether childhood sexual abuse contributed to a greater risk for teenage pregnancy. Results indicate that sexual abuse alone was not related to the incidence of teenage pregnancy, but sexual precocity was related to much higher incidences of teenage pregnancy. (RJM)

Measured the neurobehavioral integrity of Irish infants and maternal alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Subjects were 127 primiparous mothers. Results demonstrated significant cry effects on infants of heavily drinking mothers, supporting the conclusion that newborn infants show functional disturbances in the nervous system resulting from…

Tested hypothesis that higher levels of positive affect and lower levels of negative affect would predict depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Analysis of 100 women indicated that women at risk for depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period may exhibit heightened negative moods and a dearth of positive affective…

Offers guidelines for developing a pregnancy plan for child care staff. Guidelines relate to physician's permission to continue working in the child care setting; the need to be fair to all child care staff; the need for flexibility; the importance of preparing to address questions from parents and children; and the need to prepare for unexpected…

Studied parenting status among 99 adolescents (parenting, pregnant, or never pregnant) in relation to perceived levels of family cohesion and adaptability and to levels of ego development. Findings showed no significant differences in ego development and on perceptions of family cohesion but did yield significant differences on perceptions of…

Compared fertility and menstrual characteristics and contraceptive practices of adolescents in maternal and infant care program. Hmong subjects were more likely to have live birth; Asians were usually married while Whites and Blacks were not. Asians were less likely to have used contraceptives and Hmongs were less likely to choose contraception…

Examines risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome based on Swedish births between 1983 and 1985. Results indicate that maternal smoking doubles the risk of infant death, and infants of smokers also died sooner. The more the mother smoked the more likely her infant was to die. (JS)

Describes a Youth Service Project Program for teen mothers in Chicago. The program uses a bicultural approach that provides teens with a supportive social network and the opportunity to acquire parenting and literacy skills. (PCB)

A community-based, case-control study conducted in rural Nigeria with 132 pregnant girls and 131 nonpregnant girls the same age found that pregnancy was largely associated with the completion of formal education at an early age and the lack of knowledge of reproductive health. (SLD)

Evaluates whether family formation has interfered with women's secondary school attainment in the United States during the midtwentieth century. Suggests that women who formed a family while still enrolled in high school had elevated risk of leaving without a diploma. Odds did not vary by cohort nor race at the individual level. (CRR)

Administered questionnaires to 37 pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers to assess needs and factors contributing to pregnancy. Assessed family background and composition, history of sexual abuse, vocational plans and aspirations, and self-esteem. High incidence of family disruption resulting from alcohol and drug abuse and reported child…

Parents completed the Infant Characteristics Questionnaire (ICQ), and their depression and anxiety were measured, during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The ICQ scores formed two components in the mothers' analysis, and one in the fathers'analysis. Predictors of postpartum ICQ scores were the postpartum ICQ components and the anxiety and…