A government report by the National Institutes of Health has indicated that teen pregnancy rate is the rise in the U.S. Though the increase is small, it is the first time since 1991, the peak year, that an increase has been noted.

Researchers are not sure why the number has risen. "It's only one year. And it might be, to use a very technical term, a blip in the data," says Edward J. Sondik, PhD, director of the National Center for Health Statistics, a CDC division that compiles national data on children's health and well-being.

The 4 % increase in teen pregnancies, is being viewed with concern by health professionals. This is more so after 17 year old Jamie Lynn Spears gave birth, possibly setting off a trend with 17 Gloucester, Mass. teens getting pregnant as well. “This is one of the key indicators for the health of the teen population. Not only does this affect teen health at this point, but their health and well-being for the next 20 to 40 years, and the health and well-being of their children," says Sondik.

Dr. Keith Ablow, a psychiatrist and FOX News contributor, says, in the younger age group, especially the girls, are looking for ways to connect with themselves and others in an “increasingly technology-driven world. It’s not pretty and we really need a public health response that’s very vigorous to counteract this. Ultimately, the gravest long-term consequence is that we have babies being nurtured by mothers who really can’t provide them with what they need. And that’s really a self-centered act. You’ve basically declared that it’s all about you. Those people who are [acting] in this way may be the worst role models," he says.

The report also shows an increase in low-birth-weight deliveries in the U.S. coupled with the risk of developmental delays and health problems increasing. On the positive side, the report shows a decline in teen smoking, which Sondik credited to increased education, widespread smoking bans and legislative increases in cigarette taxes.