NHS Forth Valley has reported the number of underage teenage pregnancies is at its lowest ever level.
In 2008-10, 24 pregnancies to teenagers under 16 were recorded in Stirling but this had fallen to seven between 2014 and 2016.
The total number recorded in Forth Valley in 2008/10 was 102 compared with 43 just six years later.
These are the most up-to-date statistics currently available provided by the Scottish Public Health Observatory website.
Director of Health for the board Dr Graham Foster outlined the data to NHS Forth Valley Health Board last week.
He said teenage pregnancies often posed a real challenge in public health as they can lead to deprivation.
In his report, he said: “While some young women see this as a positive life decision, children born to teenage mothers are more likely to experience poverty and disadvantage and are more likely to become teenage mothers in the future.
“This recurring inter-generational cycle of poverty and adverse childhood experiences is a significant element of what locks some children and families into a lifelong cycle of poverty and poor health.”
He explained the overall teenage pregnancy rate was calculated from the total number of deliveries and terminations - but does not include miscarriages.
Dr Foster was delighted that the number of underage mums is falling. He said: “It’s really good to see that after many years of struggling, it’s become a reality.”
These are the most up to date statistics currently available provided by the Scottish Public Health Observatory website.
