Teenage Pregnancy

Overview
Unplanned pregnancies are emotional experiences for people of all ages, but this major life
event can be especially difficult and confusing when you are in your teens. It is completely
normal to experience a broad range of emotions and have many questions running through your
mind.
Teenage pregnancy is one of modern society’s evils and is a rather alarming situation. Most
countries, developed, and underdeveloped, consider teenage pregnancy a social stigma. And, it
can have devastating effects on the teen’s social life.
The negativity, the social alienation, and the financial distress can wreak havoc in anyone’s life,
let alone that of a teen, who isn’t yet mature or strong enough to face the world.

When a carefree toddler reaches adolescence, she puts her footsteps to a completely new
world. Though the usual age is 10-14 years, it varies from country to country, race and
geographical distributions. But, there is no doubt that her known world suddenly changes — a
drastic change occurs in her physical, mental and social aspect.
She becomes excited with sudden growth spurt (suddenly becoming taller than her
counterparts) as well as emotionally unstable or frightened with menarche (the first menstrual
bleeding) and thelarche (onset of breast development).
By the time, all these unusual changes may lead these adolescents to miss their classes — they
become either euphoric, depressed or may experience other mood swings.
Different studies show that both in developing and developed countries, adolescents get
involved in sexual activities which they are not able to distinguish between the acceptance or
deviance in the society as their body and mind is still young, soft and tender.
So, willingly or unwillingly they become victims of sexual harassment, get involved in sexual
relationships or become victims of women trafficking. As a consequence, they become high risk
pregnant before the age of 18 which exposes them to the greatest threat to their life as well as
to their families.
So many things can lead to an unplanned teen pregnancy. There is no contraceptive that's
100% effective. Condoms can break or your birth control can fail. These things happen, but it's
ok if you unexpectedly find yourself facing a teen pregnancy. There's help out there, even if your
parents aren't exactly supportive or you find that it's easier to talk to someone outside of your
circle or immediate family. You should never feel like you're going through this life-changing
moment alone.
It is important that you have adequate information about all your pregnancy options before you
make a decision.
Unfortunately, many teenagers delay seeking advice when they are pregnant, perhaps hoping
that it is not true. For those who choose to continue with the pregnancy these delays can mean
missing out on important antenatal care. But it’s important that you get medical attention.
Teenagers have higher rates of complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and are at higher risk
of postnatal depression. It’s also important that you eat properly and stop drinking and smoking
during your pregnancy. Talk to a GP who can discuss your pregnancy in the strictest
confidence.

What Is Teenage Pregnancy?

Teenage pregnancy is when a woman under 20 gets pregnant. It usually refers to teens
between the ages of 15-19. But it can include girls as young as 10. It's also called teen
pregnancy or adolescent pregnancy.
In the U.S., teen birth rates and number of births to teen mothers have dropped steadily since
1990. In 2018, just under 180,000 infants were born to teens 15 to 19 years old. Teen birth rates
have fallen by 70% in the past 3 decades. That trend is driven both by the fact that fewer
teenagers are having sex and that more of them use birth control when they do.
Even so, a much higher share of American teens get pregnant than girls in other developed
countries. And the pace of the decline in teen pregnancy in the U.S. differs by race. Non-
Hispanic Black girls and Native American girls have seen much slower drops in teen pregnancy
compared to Asian American girls.

 Teenage pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs in teen girls between the ages of 13-19
years.
 Although precisely not a teenager, a young girl 12 or under who is pregnant also fall into
this definition of teenage pregnancy.
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 194,377 babies
were born in 2017 to 15 to 19 year-olds.
 Teenage pregnancy is also widely known as adolescent pregnancy.
 According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in 2014, about 77
percent of the pregnancies were unplanned.
 Teenage pregnancy can risk the health of teen mom and even of the child with an
adverse effects on health.

1. Teenage Pregnancy Symptoms

Missing one or more menstrual periods is the classic sign of pregnancy. But this can be tricky
for teenage girls, whose periods aren't yet regular. It can also be tricky for girls whose cycles are
off as a result of dieting or exercise, low body fat from sports, or anorexia.
The full list of pregnancy signs includes:

 A missed menstrual period

 Nausea or vomiting -- called "morning sickness," though it can happen throughout the
day
 Sudden, intense aversion to certain foods, especially meats or fatty, fried foods
 Sore nipples or breasts
 Unusual fatigue
 Frequent urination
 Unusual mood swings
 Feeling lightheaded
 Weight gain
  Swelling belly

2. If you think you’re pregnant

What should you do if you notice one or more of those signs? The first thing many women do is
buy an over-the-counter home pregnancy test.
If the home pregnancy test shows a positive result, you may feel a range of emotions. Or you
may be numb. Most pregnant teens feel scared and uncertain…unsure of who to talk to and
what to do next.

2.1: Slow Down

If your pregnancy is confirmed, you likely already know you have some difficult decisions to
make…for yourself and for your baby.
Not all these decisions need to be made immediately. But some need your careful attention
now. It’s time to slow down and gather accurate, unbiased information. In the case of an
unplanned teenage pregnancy, it is important to give yourself the time and space you need to
make an informed decision without pressure. It is not a time for quick decisions.
2.2: Identify a Support Person
Seek out a trusted person to talk to. It could be a parent, teacher, friend, or a leader in your faith
community. At Legacy Pregnancy Center, we provide free support for teenage mothers and
couples, including mentoring to answer your questions and get you the help you need now. How
do you decide who to trust?

 Talk to someone who will listen well and keep your situation confidential
 Find someone who will not pressure you into a particular decision
 Seek out someone with unbiased information, or who will refer you to resources for this
information
 Turn to someone who has no financial stake in your decision

2.3: Confirm Your Pregnancy

A positive home pregnancy test may be accurate, but it must be confirmed to receive helpful
pregnancy counseling and prenatal care. So, schedule a free, confidential pregnancy test by
contacting Legacy. To confirm the accuracy of your home results, we provide lab-quality tests
and ultrasound at no cost.
2. 4: Tell Your Parents
While scary at first, most pregnant teenagers find that their parents want to help. You need a
strong support system as you navigate important decisions and prepare for the short- and long-
term effects of your pregnancy. You were probably shocked and disappointed when you first
found out (and they may be also) but the intensity of these feelings usually lessens.

3. What’s your next step?

You have three choices when faced with a pregnancy:
  Parenting
 Adoption
 Abortion
To make your decision, you need accurate, unbiased information on all three options. At
Legacy, we have many years of experience providing teen pregnancy help. We are here to
listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the information you need to make a
choice you’ll feel good about.

Facts About Teen Pregnancy

1. 3 in 10 teen American girls will get pregnant at least once before
they turn 20.
According to the report, in 2008, 750,000 girls under 20 became pregnant. That's nearly a
million. 733,00 of those women were aged between 15 and 19, while 13,500 of them were 14
and younger.

2. The United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in
the industrialized
American teens are two times as likely to give birth as teens in Canada and almost ten times as
likely as teens in Switzerland. This report found that the rate of teen pregnancy in the U.S. may
be related to income equality. In other words, the poorer you are, the more you're likely to have
a child while young.

3. About 82 percent of teenage pregnancies are unintended.

According to Planned Parenthood, in 2006, teen pregnancies accounted for a fifth of all
accidental pregnancies in the U.S.

4. About 25% of teen moms have a 2nd child within 24 months of their
first baby.
It's not uncommon for a teen mom to have more than one child.

5. In 2017, a total of 194,377 babies were born to women between 15

and19 years, for a birth rate of 18.8 per 1,000 women in this age
group.
Though compared to other countries, U.S. teen pregnancy rates are high, the numbers are
going down year by year. The 2017 teen pregnancy birth rate experienced a 7% drop from the
2016 rate. The report speculated that the declining rate may be due to more teens practicing
abstinence or using effective birth control methods.

6. Teens who are sexually active and don't use contraceptives have a
90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year.
Unprotected sex can also lead to other others, like the risk of getting an STD if your partner is
infected.

7. Pregnancy and birth are contributors to the high school dropout

rates among girls.
Teen mothers have a lower chance of ultimately achieving a high school degree. Only about
50% of teen mothers receive a high school diploma by the time they're 22, while about 90% of
girls who don't give birth as an adolescent graduate from high school.

8. In one survey, 22% of females and 14% of teen males reported that
they did not use a contraceptive the first time they had sex.
According to a study, those who use condoms the first time they have sex are more likely to use
protection in the future than those who said they didn't use condoms the first time.

9. Growing up in foster care has also been linked to higher rates of

teen pregnancy.
Young women in foster care are twice more likely to become pregnant by the time they're 19
than those who are not. Studies have found that this could be linked to the fact that young
women in foster care are not motivated to delay having a child. Having a child may fill an
emotional void for some people.

10. Not all teen pregnancies end up in someone giving birth.

Since 77% of teen pregnancies are unplanned, some of them do end up in abortion. In fact, one
study found that in 2013, 61% of the pregnant women ended up giving birth. 15% of these
women suffered a miscarriage and 25% ended in abortion.

11. Teen mothers are more likely to end up impoverished and on

public assistance programs, like welfare.
They're also likely to remain impoverished as adults.

12. Native American, Black and Hispanic women are more likely to
become pregnant as teens than white women.
Though birth rates have fallen, African American, Hispanic and Native American teens are twice
as likely to get pregnant than White and Asian American teens.

13. 8 out of 10 teen dads, about 80%, don’t marry the mother of their
child.
Becoming a father in your teens appears to be associated with some negative consequences,
as well. They're also less likely to finish high school.
14. If your partner is older, you're more likely to become pregnant
than those with partners closer in age.
One study found that 6.7 percent of women between 15 and 17 have partners who are six or
more years older than them. These women are 3.7 times more likely to become pregnant than
those whose partner is no more than two years older.

15. Evidence has found that sex education programs can prevent teen
pregnancies.
This is because these programs may help make teens more likely to use condoms and birth
control if they're sexual active or delay sex, reduce their number of partners or reduce the
frequency they have sex.

16. Other Shocking Teen Pregnancy Facts

 Unintended teen pregnancy does not only happen due to irresponsible sex. No matter
what people believe teen pregnancies are also the result of faulty birth control.
 3 in 10 teen American girls will get pregnant at least once before age 20. That’s nearly
750,000 teen pregnancies every year.
 Two-thirds of young unmarried mothers are poor. In the US, 25% of the teenage
mothers go on welfare within three years of a child’s birth
 When you have sex for the first time determines your pregnancy risk
 Thirty percent of teenage girls who drop out of high school in the States do so because
of pregnancy or parenthood.
 Almost 1,700 teenage girls get pregnant every single day. That’s 70 girls every hour.
 Roughly 82% of teenage pregnancies aren’t planned as per the report of Planned
Parenthood, “Pregnancy and Childbearing Among US Teens” in June 2013
 About 25% of teen moms have a 2nd child within 24 months of their first baby.
 Less than 2% of teen moms earn a college degree by age 30.
 The United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the western
industrialized world.
 Today countries in Africa have the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world. The
country of Niger tops the list at 203.604 births per 100,000 teenage women.
 In Sweden, 70% of teenage pregnancies are aborted while only 26% end the same way
in the United States. This is more due to the access amd attitudes even though there
may be liberal abortion laws in place.
 There are 78 teen mothers per 1,000 births in Mexico. Several years ago, the country
decided to start ordering textbooks and follow the Comprehensive Sexuality Education
programs at schools. Mexico teachers also encourage students to browse internet
pornography.
 Infant mortality rates are higher among teenage mothers’ children. Due to an increased
risk of developmental problems, these children often also have lessened motor and
language skills in childhood than do their age-matched counterparts birthed by older
mothers.
 8 out of 10 teen dads don’t marry the mother of their child. Which means that only 20%
of fathers of children born to teen moms marry the mothers.
 Compared to the teenage birth rates in other developed countries, America’s are the
highest: twice as high as Australia’s and Canada’s, three times as high as France’s,
three and a half times as high as Germany’s, six times as high as the Netherlands’, and
seven times as high as Japan’s.
 In Sweden, there are 7 births to teenage mothers for every 1,000 births. Comprehensive
Sexuality Education has been in effect in Sweden since 1956 and by age 14, students
are coming home with condoms. Sweden schools also have health clinics so students
can get birth control and tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
 There are 9 teenage mothers per every 1,000 births in France. In 1973, the country
implemented sex education to all schools. Students receive 30 to 40 hours of sex
education and starting in 8th grade, teachers pass out condoms to the students. In
January 2000, the French government launched a media awareness campaign and
passed out over 5 million brochures on sex education to high school students.
 Canadian teens have 20 babies for every 1,000 births. 9% of sexually active teenagers
in Canada use birth control each and every time they have sex. 24% of teenagers admit
to having more than 2 sexual partners in the past 12 months.
 In Great Britain, there are 31 teenage mothers for every 1,000 births. Only 4% of
sexually active teenagers in Great Britian use contraception each and every time. 30%
of teenagers have had more than two sexual partners in the past 12 months.
  In Germany, there are 11 teen mothers per 1,000 births. German schools teach
Comprehensive Sexuality Education and parents are not permitted to opt their children
out of the program. They teach “Masturbation Workshops” as well as have mandatory
classes on “Body Play.”

17. Interesting Teen Pregnancy Statistics

 Of all the teen pregnancies, only 57 out of 100 have successful birth and delivery
whereas 14 out of 100 experience miscarriage.
 The total share of teen mothers in total births in the whole USA is 11%.
 The approximate percentage of unplanned teen pregnancies is 85%.
 50% of American teens are sexually active. Also, teens have sex at very young ages
which increases the risk of STDs and teen pregnancy.
 The USA faces the highest rates of teen pregnancy and teen abortions amongst
industrially developed nations.
 Interesting statistics is that about 750,000 teens who get pregnant are mostly between
ages 17 to 19 each year.
 Every 4 women out of 10 are getting pregnant in the US before they reach 20 years of
age.
 1,700 teenage girls get pregnant every single day thus making 70 girls every hour.
 The actual percentage of fathers of children born to teen moms marry the mothers is
20%.
 18% of all abortions happening in the U.S are to teens.
 30% of teenage girls dropping out of school are due to teen pregnancy or parenthood.
 When compared to other ethnicities, the number of teen pregnancy in African teens is 1
in 4 cases.
 5 out of every 10 girls say that their first interaction was unwished or involuntary.
 Less than 2% of teen moms earn a college degree by age 30.
 One of the easiest, effective and best ways to prevent teen pregnancy is to stay away
from having any sexual intercourse, with or without protection.

Main Causes/Factors Contributing to Teenage Pregnancy

There are many reasons that lead to teen pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, it is not only
unprotected sexual intercourse that can cause teenage girls to get pregnant. Sometimes even
after the use of protection there maybe an unintended teen pregnancy on the cards.
Here are some of the most notable reasons for pregnancy in teens.

1. Peer Pressure
Your teens are a time that is crucial. Teens are likely to feel a lot of peer pressure in different
areas of their lives. Trying to fit in with peers can influence many of the decisions that are taken
at this time.
One of the most important decision that is often affected by peer pressure is the decision to
have sex. This happens even if the teens are not fully able to comprehend the consequences
associated with their actions.
Due to the pressure to act cool and sophisticated many teens have sexual intercourse without
properly being aware of the implications. Unaware of the proper methods of protection and
contraception among majority of teens results in unplanned teen pregnancies across the world.

2. Absence of parental guidance

Studies have shown that teenage girls are more likely to get pregnant when they do not have a
parent or parental figure to guide them at home. It may also happen in case they have limited
guidance from their parents.
Incase both parents lead busy lives that does not allow them to give proper counselling to their
wards, they are unable to guide their children towards taking healthy and wise sexual decisions.
In the absence of parental guidance or discouragement of open discussion by parents on sex
related topics, teenagers are found to turn to their friends. The friends are likely to be as little
informed as they themselves. Therefore, the advise given by them are also potentially
misinformed and flawed. Relying on such ignorant guidance is also a cause for teen
pregnancies.

3. Lack of Knowledge
Knowledge of sex and sex education may not be imparted in many countries and places. This
results in teens being misinformed and ignorant of the complete physical and mental
implications of having sex.
Sexually uneducated teens are more likely to encounter an unintended pregnancy. These teens
base their knowledge and understanding from movies, sitcoms and their equally uninformed
friends. This leaves them with little real knowledge of the real consequences of having
unprotected sex. This can result in unintended teenage pregnancies.

4. Sexual Abuse or Rape

It is not only uninformed choices that lead to unplanned teen pregnancies. Sexual abuse and
rape are also a leading cause of teenage pregnancies world wide. The Guttmacher Institute
states that between 43 and 62 percent of teens acknowledge that they were impregnated by an
adult male.
About two-thirds of the teen moms report that their babies’ fathers are as old as 27.
Approximately 5 percent of all teen births are the result of a rape.

5. Lack of Sex Education

In certain cultures and countries girls are simply unaware of the means to avoid getting
pregnant. This is due to the lack of or active discouragement of sex education in adolescents.
Sex in many countries is considered taboo and therefore the subject is not discussed openly.
Teens feel shy and uncomfortable, and even ashamed, to seek birth control methods. They feel
inhibited to ask for contraceptive methods, or they may also be simply to expensive for them to
afford.
Even when contraceptives are widely available, sexually active adolescent girls are less likely to
use them than adults. Girls may be unable to refuse unwanted sex or resist coerced sex, which
tends to be unprotected. This can likely lead to an unplanned teen pregnancy.

6. Financial Background
According to the statistics released by WHO, about 16 million women 15–19 years old give birth
each year, about 11% of all births worldwide.
Ninety-five per cent of these births occur in low- and middle-income countries. The average
adolescent birth rate in middle income countries is more than twice as high as that in high-
income countries, with the rate in low-income countries being five times as high.

7. Glamorization
Many movies and sitcoms and even novels have made it seem glamorous and fun to be a
teenage mom. Movies and news stories that depict teenage pregnancy as something desirable
encourage teens to engage in reckless sexual behavior.
When they perceive that teen pregnancy is acceptable from the movies and television shows,
they may even seek to become pregnant themselves. This may be their way to gain social
acceptance and fit in with the peer groups.

8. Lust
Some teenagers get into sexual relationships because of lust. In adolescent stages both males
and females go through some psychological and physical sexual feelings and may put into
reality or act on it. This often results in teenage pregnancy.

9. Religious beliefs and practices

It is a practice in some religions to marry as a teenager. They believe in early marriage and
some parents do not even allow their girl child to have formal education.

10. Alcoholism and drug abuse

Many students are found of taking in alcohol and hard drugs. There is a saying that the devil
finds work for an idle hand, the drunkards usually indulge in casual sex and hence many young
girls get pregnant.

11. Environmental influence

This refers to the social norms and values in the community. In some communities, the moment
the girl child gets her first menstruation, she can get married. Some times to it is normal for a
teenager to get pregnant in the community because the parents and grandparents were once
the same.

12. Media-based influences

The media will most often have a huge effect on teen pregnancy, glamorizing these issues on tv
shows and films. Unfortunately, what this does is conceal the difficulties and challenges that
come with being a parent at a very young age. Some teenagers are more drawn to maturing at
a younger age. These media influences praise the notion of teenagers raising a child through
the promise of a more adult lifestyle and more power in decision making choices.

How does teenage pregnancy affect teen mothers?

 Teens are at a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and
its complications than average age mothers. Risks for the baby include premature birth
and low birth weight. Preeclampsia can also harm the kidneys or even be fatal for
mother or baby.
 Pregnant teens also have a higher chance of becoming anemic. Anemia is a reduction in
the number of red blood cells (RBCs). This can make you feel weak and tired and can
affect your baby’s development.
 Giving birth in the United States is safer than ever, but it’s still more dangerous for a teen
than for a woman 20 or older. According to the World Health Organization
(WHO)Trusted Source, complications during pregnancy or childbirth are the leading
cause of death globally for girls ages 15 to 19.
 If you get pregnant as a teen, you might feel frightened and worried about telling your
family and friends. Not talking to someone and not getting the help and support you
need, can make you feel more isolated and depressed. This can lead to problems in
home and at school.
 Many pregnant teens drop out of school, and some never complete their education. That
means a lot of mothers who get pregnant as teenagers live in poverty.
 Women who first got pregnant as teens are more likely to have more than one child.
About one in fiveTrusted Source births to a teen mother is a repeat birth. A woman with
little education and multiple children to care for will find it very difficult to earn a living.

1. Mental health conditions in teen moms

Teen moms might face a number of mental health conditions related to childbirth and being a
new mom. Examples of these conditions include:
 Baby blues: The “baby blues” are when a woman experiences symptoms for one to
two weeks after giving birth. These symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, sadness,
overwhelm, difficulty concentrating, trouble eating, and difficulty sleeping.
 Depression: Being a teen mom is a risk factor for depression. If a mom has a baby
before 37 weeks or experiences complications, depression risks can increase.
 Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression involves more severe and
significant symptoms than baby blues. Teen moms are twice as likely to experience
postpartum depression as their adult counterparts. Women sometimes mistake
postpartum depression for the baby blues. Baby blues symptoms will go away after a
few weeks. Depression symptoms won’t.
Additional symptoms of postpartum depression include:

 difficulty bonding with your baby

 overwhelming fatigue
 feeling worthless
 anxiety
  panic attacks
 thinking of harming yourself or your baby
 difficulty enjoying activities you once did
If you experience these effects after giving birth, help is available. It’s important to know that you
aren’t alone. Remember, many women experience postpartum depression.

2. Risk factors for mental health concerns

Teenage mothers are more likely to fall in demographic categories that make the risk of mental
illness higher. These risk factors include:

 having parents with low education levels

 a history of child abuse
 limited social networks
 living in chaotic and unstable home environments
 living in low-income communities
 In addition to these factors, teenage mothers are more likely to experience significant
levels of stress that can increase risk for mental health disorders.
But some factors can reduce the likelihood that a teenage mom will have psychiatric issues. If a
teen mom has a supportive relationship with her mother and/or the baby’s father, her risks are
reduced.

3. Effects Of Teenage Pregnancy On Society

Our society relies on moral beliefs, ethics, and human etiquettes. And unfortunately, teenage
pregnancy is viewed as taboo. Society, as progressive as it wants to be, cannot embrace the
concept of a pregnant teen mother.
And, here we look at some of the negative effects of teenage pregnancy on society:

Illiteracy
 Teenagers getting pregnant at an early age cannot pursue their higher education due to
extra responsibility, which increases the rate of literacy in society.
 The education of the teen mother remains on hold during pregnancy, and some teens
even decide to drop out of their high school and find a job to supplement themselves.
 Teens who plan to attend college have to bear taunts, acidic remarks, and arrogant
discourses from their peers about their pregnancy and baby. In such circumstances,
teen moms decide to focus on the baby or plan to get married rather than pursuing a
higher education.
 Researchers conclude that most teenage pregnancies end with education dropouts
because of the fear of embarrassment, humiliation, and harassment from the fellow
friends and college mates.
 Teenage pregnancy statistics states that only one-third of teen moms can even acquire
the high school diploma, and a few also get a college degree.

Loss Of Government Revenue

  In most developing nations, governments plan welfare schemes to take adequate care of
teen mothers and their dependent children. As the low-qualified mother cannot get a
good job, she completely depends on such welfare schemes to overcome the impending
financial distress.
 In the United States, the annual expenses to fund the teenage pregnancies cost around
$7 billion. The government has to spend money on public assistance, child health care,
and foster care, to facilitate proper upbringing of the child.
 Teen mothers do not have to pay the taxes, and the government has to face a huge loss
of revenue.

Social Obligations
 A teenage mother has to face several social obligations like not getting a good job, not
getting respect from friends and family members.
 The entire social life of the teen mother gets ruined due to her early and unexpected
pregnancy, and she has to spend her life in emotional trauma.

Lack Of Financial Support

 A teen mother who does not get proper financial support from her parents or friends has
to face a severe financial crunch.
 She has to face extreme difficulty to buy basic items for her newborn baby like, clothing
and baby care products.

Increased Risk Of Destitution

 As teenage pregnancy hinders the mom from pursuing higher education and acquiring
basic qualifications, she lands up in a poorly paid job.
 In most cases, the biological father abandons the teen mom, and the baby becomes her
sole responsibility. Hence, the mother ends up living in poverty and running the risk of
imminent destitution.
 Teenage pregnancy increases the risk of spending the entire life in poverty for both the
teen parents and the baby. As fewer teen mom attain proper educational degrees and
qualifications, they cannot find suitable and well-paid jobs to improve their financial
position.
 Teenage pregnancy is most of the time linked to the lower annual income of the mother.
As a result, 80% of teen mothers have to rely on social welfare schemes planned by the
nation.

Medical Complications
 Teenage pregnancy increases the risks of medical complications in both the mother and
her baby.
 A lack of proper prenatal care often induces medical complications like high blood
pressure, anemia, and premature birth of the baby.
 Although advisable, it isn’t always possible for the teen mother to go for regular prenatal
checkups, which increase the risk of medical conditions.
 Moreover, teen pregnancy increases the likelihood of medical complications in the baby,
and he may suffer from low birth-weight, blindness, deafness and respiratory problems.
Emotional Crisis

 After getting pregnancy at an early age, the teen mother may suffer from huge emotional
crisis due to lack of social support from family.
 Severe emotional and mental breakdown triggers the onset of evil behavior like suicide
attempts or attempting to self-abort the baby.
 The teen mother experiences severe depression while facing the negative feedback
about the pregnancy from the society.

Substance Abuse
 Substances are a good way to adjust reality and soften the blow. Society can be cruel,
and it often drives teen moms over the edge. It is not surprising that such women turn to
substances to quell the ongoing negativity.
 Studies conclude that teenage pregnancy directly affects teenage drug addiction rates.

Work Harder Than Others

 For those of you who think parenting is a task, imagine having to do it all alone, with no
support and no one to talk with! Teen moms face several consequences.
 However, the reality is that they have to work harder than others. The poor literacy rates
and a lack of education make it harder to support the child.

Bad Reputation In Society

 Society usually considers teenage pregnancy a social dilemma and young parents have
to face huge humiliation and negative remarks from people.
 Teenage pregnancy is a viewed as social stigma and teen parents have to bear bad
reputation as the society treats them as outcasts and strangers.

Higher Suicide Rates

 Teenage moms are more prone to committing suicides, as the humiliations and
embarrassment, and the lack of social support can trigger depression.
 Emotional stress, financial crisis, and societal alienation are some of the main
contributing factors that trigger suicide among teen mothers.
 A good support system is extremely crucial for the young mother, to help rid her of
suicidal thoughts

4. Other factors
While teen pregnancy can have a significant effect on a young mother’s mental health, it
impacts other aspects of her life too. It’s important to consider these factors:

Finances
According to a study published in the American Journal of EpidemiologyTrusted Source,
teenage parents often don’t complete higher levels of education. They often have more
restricted economic opportunities than older parents.
Around one-half of teen moms have their high school diploma by age 22. Only 10 percent of
teen moms typically complete a two- or four-year degree. While there are certainly exceptions,
high school completion and higher education is typically associated with a greater ability to earn
more income over the course of a lifetime.

Physical health
According to a study published in Maternal Child Health JournalTrusted Source, teenage
mothers had the poorest physical health of all categories of women studied, including women
who engaged in unprotected sex. Teenage mothers may neglect their physical health while
caring for their babies. They may also not have access to or know about healthy foods and
eating. They are also more likely to be obese.
According to the National Institutes of Health, there’s a higher risk of the following in teenage
pregnancy:

 preeclampsia
 anemia
 contracting STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
 premature delivery
 delivering at low birth weight
The future
Teenage motherhood doesn’t have to mean a young woman won’t be successful in life. But it’s
important they consider what other young mothers before them have faced related to overall
health, financial stability, and the health of their child.
Young mothers should talk to a school counselor or social worker regarding services that can
assist them in finishing school and living a healthier life.

How does teenage pregnancy affect teen fathers?

 Fathering a child as a teenager can be a frightening and life-changing event. Teen
fathers don’t have to worry about the health implications of pregnancy and childbirth, but
they could face similar difficulties staying in school and earning a living.
 State laws vary on the legal age for people to have sexual intercourse.
 Arrest or legal action against teens who are sexually active can have devastating effects.
A young man may be required to register as a sex offender if he has reached the legal
age (age 18 in some states) and his partner has not (age 17 or under).

How does teenage pregnancy affect babies?

 A healthy pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. A baby that’s delivered before 37 weeks of
pregnancy is premature. Teen mothers are more likely to give birth to premature babies.
 Sometimes, these babies lack complete development in their bodies and brains.
Depending on how premature the baby is, this can lead to lifelong difficulties with health
and development.
  Premature babies also tend to be underweight. Underweight babies might have trouble
breathing and feeding as infants. As adults, underweight babies are more susceptible to
diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
 Low birth weight also affects brain development. Children who were born underweight
have been observed to have learning difficulties.
 In addition to having an increased risk of being underweight, infants born to teenage
mothers are also at a higher risk of infant mortality.

Tips for teen mothers

Seeking support from others can really improve a teen mom’s mental health. This includes the
support of:

 parents
 grandparents
 friends
 adult role models
 physicians and other healthcare providers
 Many community centers also have services specifically for teen parents, including day
care during school hours.
It’s important that teen moms seek prenatal care as early as recommended, usually in the first
trimester. This support for your and your baby’s health promotes better outcomes, both during
pregnancy and afterward.
Teenage moms are more likely to have positive mental health and financial outcomes when
they finish high school. Many high schools offer programs or will make arrangements with a
teen mom to help her finish her education. While finishing school can be an extra stressor, it’s
important for the future of a teen mom and her baby.

Is it possible for a teenager to have a healthy baby?

Teen moms can have healthy babies. Make sure you see your doctor as soon as you know
you’re pregnant, and attend all your scheduled appointments.
Proper obstetrical care throughout your pregnancy is so important to the health and well-being
of both the mother and the baby. Eat well, exercise, and confide in supportive friends and family
members.
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been shown to lower birth weight and cause babies to
be born prematurely. You shouldn’t smoke during pregnancy.
Drugs and alcohol can have very damaging effects on a mother and her unborn child. Don’t
drink alcohol or use illicit drugs during pregnancy. If you think you might be addicted to drugs or
alcohol, ask your doctor about counseling and treatment programs to help you quit.
Only take the medicines your doctor prescribes. Make sure your doctor knows about any over-
the-counter (OTC) medicines you are taking.
It’s important for all pregnant women to get proper medical care regardless of how old they are.
But because teens’ bodies are still developing, seeing a doctor regularly is especially important
for teen mothers.

What should you expect during prenatal visits?

You’ll see a lot of your doctor during your pregnancy.
During the first six months, you’ll probably have an appointment at least once every month. In
the last months of your pregnancy, you may see your doctor every other week, ending with
weekly visits in your final month. These visits are to make sure you and your baby are healthy.
At the doctor’s office, you’ll be weighed, your blood pressure will be taken, and your stomach
will be measured. As your baby develops, the doctor will feel its position and listen for its
heartbeat.
Your doctor will ask how you’re feeling and if you have any questions. They’ll usually then
explain what you can expect during the upcoming weeks of your pregnancy.
It’s a good idea to write down any questions or concerns you have so that you can remember to
ask them during your appointment. Make sure you talk to your doctor about your health, the
baby’s health, and any emotional or family concerns you have.
See your doctor right away if you have:

 any vaginal bleeding

 severe or continuous headache
 dimness or blurring of vision
 abdominal pain
 persistent vomiting
 chills or fever
 pain or burning during urination
 leaking of fluid from your vagina
 swelling or pain in your legs

How can teenage pregnancy be prevented?

The only way to be sure you won’t get pregnant is to not have sexual intercourse. However,
there are many methods to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant if you’re sexually active.
According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, an abstinence-only sex education was
positively correlated with an increase in teen pregnancies.
Many communities offer counseling and support programs that help prevent teen pregnancy.
These groups can provide information on birth control and help teens understand their own
sexual limits so they don’t get into situations where they might have unprotected sex and get
pregnant.
Some programs offer peer counseling, since it might feel more comfortable talking to someone
your own age. Contact your health department for information on programs in your area.
What prescription birth control methods are available?
Prescription birth control is available through your doctor or a women’s health clinic.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a device a doctor implants in your uterus. The procedure is well
tolerated, and hospitalization isn’t required. The IUD prevents pregnancy by various
mechanisms. It has a 99 percent rate of effectiveness, according to Planned Parenthood.
IUDs are sold under the following brand names:

 Kyleena
 Liletta
 Mirena
 ParaGard
 Skyla
 Birth control implant
 Several birth control methods affect hormone levels in your body, so you’re less likely to
get pregnant. The most effective is a birth control implant, also called Nexplanon.
This is a very small plastic stick that’s inserted under the skin of your arm. Implants stay in place
for up to three years. They have a 99 percent rate of effectiveness.
Other methods
Birth control pills, shots, and patches also affect your hormone levels. They have an
effectiveness rate of 91 to 94 percent. Examples of available brands include:

 Alesse, Apri, Enpresse, Loestrin, Ortho-Novum, Yasmin, and many more (pills)
 Depo-Provera (shot)
 Ortho Evra (patch)
The diaphragm and cervical cap (FemCap) are devices you place in your vagina when you’re
going to have sex. They block sperm from entering your uterus. The effectiveness of these
devices is 71 to 88 percent.

What over-the-counter birth control methods are available?

You can also buy over-the-counter (OTC) birth control at a drugstore and some supermarkets.
These methods are not as effective as prescription birth control, but they do reduce your chance
of getting pregnant.

1. Condoms
Teen pregnancy rates have been dropping in the United States for at least 25 years. Experts
think this is because more sexually active teens use condoms.
Proper use of a condom can keep you from getting pregnant. When used correctly, condoms
also protect you from many sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The effectiveness of condoms
is 85 percent.
2. Birth control sponge
Sponges treated with spermicide also block sperm from entering your uterus. Used properly,
these methods prevent pregnancy with an effectiveness of 76 to 88 percent. The brand of
sponge sold in the United States is called the Today Sponge.

3. Morning-after pill
Available from the brands Plan B One-Step, Ella, and Next Choice, this medicine contains
hormones that prevent your body from releasing eggs into your uterus and cause the lining of
the uterus to shed, inhibiting implantation.
Eggs have to come into contact with sperm for you to get pregnant and need to implant in order
to start developing properly.
The morning-after pill might be a good choice for you if you think your regular birth control didn’t
work or you weren’t using birth control. Women 17 and older do not need a prescription for the
morning-after pill.
The effectiveness of the morning-after pills such as Plan B One-Step and Next Choice is 75 to
89 percent if taken within three days of having unprotected sex, according to Planned
Parenthood. The effectiveness of the Ella morning-after pill is 85 percent if you take it within five
days of having unprotected sex.

What’s the takeaway for people affected by teenage

pregnancy?
 Although teens can often safely deliver healthy babies, there are possible health
concerns for both mother and child. If you become pregnant, you should see your doctor
as soon as possible to discuss your pregnancy.
 There are many methods available to help prevent pregnancy, including IUDs, birth
control pills, and condoms.
 Additionally, many groups, such as SHIFT NC in North Carolina and Planned
Parenthood, offer support or counseling programs for teens. You should also be sure to
look for regional groups in your state or city.

Conclusion
Teenagers who give birth are at greater risk for mental health concerns than older moms. But
being aware of the risks and knowing where to find help can relieve some stress and pressure.
Being a new mom isn’t easy, no matter your age. When you’re a teen mom, taking care of
yourself while you also care for your little one is especially important.

Sources
https://texasadoptioncenter.org/blog/teen-pregnancy-resources-texas/
https://www.thedailystar.net/health/effects-of-teenage-pregnancy-and-solutions-1722604
https://pregnancysheridan.org/teen-pregnancy-your-first-four-steps/
https://www.seventeen.com/health/sex-health/a28762500/teen-pregnancy-facts/
https://www.webmd.com/baby/teen-pregnancy-medical-risks-and-realities#1
https://www.publichealthnotes.com/teenage-pregnancy-causes-effects-and-preventive-
measures/
https://parentinghealthybabies.com/teen-pregnancy-risks/
https://teenagepregnancysite.home.blog/causes/
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/teenage-pregnancy-effects#next-steps
https://www.healthline.com/health/adolescent-pregnancy#effect-on-teen-fathers