To begin, if they are engaging in sexual activity, they may become pregnant and

may be forced to drop out of school. A 2022 article, with research conducted in Cameroon,

claims that 41.6% of the 18,791 single mothers studied discontinued school due to pregnancy

(Sobngwi-Tambekou et al.). In spite of various influences such as religion, race and

socio-economic status, there is a plethora of reasons as to why this happens. Primarily, the

physical implications of pregnancy, such as nausea, fatigue and back pain will impede her ability

to focus during classes and execute assignments. In addition, there is a wide range of expenses

regarding pregnancy and babies. Medical costs such as ultrasounds, treatment for symptoms and

delivery of the baby will take quite a toll on the family’s finances. This does not even include the

cost of raising a child over at least 18 years. If she has little to no financial resources, the mother

may be forced to take a job to care for herself and the baby. Also, society generally looks down

on unmarried pregnant women, even if they are in a committed relationship with the child’s

father. Even more so for pregnant teens and adolescents. The undeniable shame and social

ostracization to be experienced may cause the mother to avoid leaving home, and miss school as

a result. In all, the occurrence of teen pregnancy in low-income households is detrimental to the

academic development of teen girls.

Furthermore, lack of formal education results in low income, repeating the cycle of

poverty. Research conducted states “While it has long been recognized that the education of men

is important, it is becoming increasingly clear that when women are deprived of education,

everyone pays an enormous price.” (Christie et al.). Dropping out of school during the teenage

years means her highest qualification may only be a diploma. Sometimes, she may have no

qualifications. Despite hands-on experience being in demand, many employers are looking for
formal qualifications. Subsequent to this, the mother may be unable to find jobs with sufficient

pay or may be forced to work minimum wage. As a form of relief, she can apply for government

aid. However, in a case where she has multiple children, it will be difficult to make sufficient use

of the financial aid. Even if she has just one child, it might not be enough. To illustrate, poverty

during pregnancy can result in health complications in the child. In a situation such as this,

financial aid from the government may not cover all the medical expenses. Without sufficient

assistance, she might face difficulty meeting basic necessities such as clothes and food. In some

cases, when the child is older, the mother will take on two jobs, as they are now able to

somewhat take care of themselves. As expected, the mother unfortunately is so consumed with

work and taking care of her child, that she has no time or resources to pursue higher education.

What if the child begins to work when they become of age? Sometimes children in low-income

households work as a way to assist their parents. Working does not inherently mean their

educational advancement is over. Part-time jobs are a good way for teens and young adults to

offset the financial strain of the house without putting their professional development at risk.

However, many are forced to work full time immediately after graduating school. In this regard,

their lack of formal education will cause the cycle to repeat itself, therefore perpetuating

generational poverty.

Moreover, becoming a parent during adolescent years can take an immense toll on the

psychological health of the mother. An article from The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds

mentions that pregnancy is kindred to being at higher risk for depression. It highlights that

adolescent mothers are more likely to experience depression during pregnancy when compared

to older mothers and non-pregnant women. A staggering 16%-44% for depression in pregnant

and post-partum teens was recorded in comparison to the estimated 10%-15% for older mothers
(Nonacs and Schlozman). While a wide array factors can be attributed to this disparity, one must

first analyze the causes of depression in pregnant and post-partum women to be able to

comprehend these numbers. To illustrate, hormonal imbalances, which are common during and

after pregnancy, can contribute to the development of depression in pregnant women and

mothers. Further, the stresses of life such as demands from work, or past traumas can increase

her likelihood of developing depression. Especially if she has endured miscarriages or major

health complications during previous pregnancies. Further, the physical strain a mother bares

during pregnancy is sure to deteriorate her mental health. Nausea, back aches and contractions

are just a mere few of the physical implications faced during pregnancy. Moreover, many

women’s appearances change during pregnancy. For example, having part of her face, or all of it,

swollen during most of the pregnancy or weight gain. Even though changes in physical

appearance may seem insignificant, it can make many of them feel insecure. Society also focuses

heavily on the appearance of women, enforcing somewhat unrealistic beauty standards and

expectations. It is important that women feel their best as they are in an extremely vulnerable

state. Now, place all of these effects onto a teen whose body and mind are not fully developed, is

yet to finish school and must rely on her parents. It is inevidtable that she will face higher levels

of depression, along with other psychological issues. The response from her parents will also

influence her journey through pregnancy and raising the child. For instance, if her parents do not

show enough support and compassion,