A woman can get pregnant and have a baby as soon as she begins ovulating, typically around ages 11 and 12. Some women start ovulating earlier. Because ovulation starts before the first period, pregnancy is possible before menstruation begins.
Pregnancies for girls 12 and younger are rare, about one in 7,000 per year. But they can occur.
Risks of pregnancy for young teen mothers include preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight. Preeclampsia can harm the kidneys or be fatal.
Romantic interest in other people emerges at different ages, varying greatly between children. Some develop crushes around age 10, others not until their teens.
While pregnancy is biologically possible at very young ages, most preteen pregnancies result from assault, not consensual acts. Appropriate support services should be made available.
If pregnant before getting her first period, a girl can still get prenatal care, get tested for infections, and prepare.