What is a premature birth and what causes it to happen more often with teen mothers?

Premature birth is defined as a baby being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed, compared to the typical full term of around 40 weeks. Teen mothers are at a higher risk of premature birth due to several factors, including their bodies being less physically mature and more susceptible to health complications. Additionally, socio-economic factors, inadequate prenatal care, and higher rates of stress and unhealthy behaviors can contribute to this increased risk. These factors can lead to complications such as preeclampsia or infections that may trigger early labor.