A repeat teen birth is the second or subsequent pregnancy ending in a live birth before age 20. Nearly 1 in 5 (20%) of births to teens ages 15- 20 is a repeat birth. Teen birth can impact health outcomes of both the pregnant person and the infant. Having more than one child as a teen can limit the teen’s ability to finish their education or get a job. Infants born from a repeat teen birth are often born too small or too soon, which can lead to more health problems for the baby (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Evidence shows that a variety of outreach and educational programs can help reduce unintended teen pregnancies (Healthy People 2030). 

Considerations for Equitable Approaches: While repeat teen births have declined over time, there are disparities by race, ethnicity, and geography. Teens who identify as American Indian and Alaskan Native, Hispanic, and Black are more likely to have a repeat teen birth, compared to those who identify as White (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Social determinants of health such as education and income of the teen’s family, may contribute to higher teen birth rates. Community level efforts that address social and economic factors associated with teen pregnancy can play a critical role in addressing racial, ethnic, and geographical disparities in teen births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 

Inclusive Language Recommendations: As not all people who are pregnant identify as women, recommendations for more gender-inclusive language include using "pregnant people" and "pregnant patients" or other wording as applicable when referring to general recommendations for pregnancy (National Institutes of Health).