Another mother, who had depression, hid her stillborn infant in an electrical riser outside her flat.

These two cases which went before the courts this month reflect the struggles of young mums here who are thrust into motherhood before they are ready.

From 2004 to last year, an average of 1,200 babies - almost 3 per cent of all babies born - were born each year here to mothers aged 20 and below.

About that number of abortions are done on teens each year: The number hovered around 1,400 in 2006 and 2007, but dipped last year to about 1,300.

Counsellors who work with young mums say their clients often are not psychologically and financially ready for parenthood.

Mr Edward Ong, who heads the Singapore Planned Parenthood Association, said that firstly, the teenager and her parents have to deal with the shock and the shame of a pregnancy out of wedlock.

After the emotions settle, they have to decide between completing the pregnancy or aborting it.

The girl's studies may have to be disrupted; if she is forced to start work after delivering the baby, she may become 'economically disadvantaged', he said.

And then there is the teen's loss of freedom. Clinical psychologist Carol Balhetchet said being teenagers, these mums still they want to explore and experiment, but this stage of growing up is jettisoned when a baby enters the picture.

Read the full report in Monday's edition of The Straits Times' Home section.