TEENAGE PREGNANCY

TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Teenage pregnancy is defined as pregnancy that occurs in women below the age of 20. It is common that at this age the girl has not completed her education and is completely dependent upon her parents thus unable to provide for the unborn child. Teenage pregnancy rate varies from one country to another depending on factors such as access to contraceptive methods, sex education and sexual activity.

 It is normal for teenagers to believe in “the personal fable”: they think they are special and unique and invulnerable to harm. So naturally they believe that unprotected sex will not result in pregnancy. Couple this belief with the normal pubertal rise in hormones, sexual feelings and curiosity, and we have a problem! About half of all teens have sex before they graduate high school. By the time they realize that they have no special “immunity” to an accidental pregnancy, it is often too late. The personal fable becomes more powerful when mixed with drugs and alcohol. Some boys say that the only time they didn’t use a condom was when they were under the influence, and now they are teenage fathers.

Most teenage girls don't plan to get pregnant, but many do. Teens getting pregnant at young age have greater risk in delaying prenatal care. The bodies of a teenager are still growing when intercepted by pregnancy. Because of these more nutritional support should be given not just to the mother but also for the baby. Since this is the reason prenatal care is un utmost concern.

Another, teen mothers have problems in using drugs, alcohol and cigarette smoking. Any use of these can complicate the health of the mother and the baby inside which will likely increase the chance of premature birth and complications. The potential results of premature birth are brain damage, physical disabilities and other health related problems.

Pregnant teenager might be challenged in the future. They need to risk something important in their life for their better future with his/her baby. Financial problem may come in the future.  There are some cases that a teen mom chooses to stop studying to raise their child but sometimes the child can’t have a good educational background because he/she is not sent to a better school because of financial problem. Some teenagers are excited to bear a child, especially when it is their first pregnancy. They are excited to see their baby. Others are excited to buy clothes and other things for the baby. They think of names for the baby. Some are confused and at a loss on what to do. They are too young and many have no idea about bearing a child. Some are scared. They think of questions like, “How should I tell my parents?” “How will I face my classmates?” or “What is the best thing to do to solve this problem?” They are afraid to answer these questions. they feel scared on what will be the reactions of their parents. Frustration comes later. Pregnant teenagers will realize that they are not yet ready to bear a child when it’s already late.  

Preventing teenage pregnancy may also come down to overcoming parent-child communication barriers. Parents should explain to their children what safe sex is and teach her how to respect herself. Knowing where your teens are going and whom they are with is basic Parenting 101. If you don't know the kids they are hanging out with, get to know them. Allow your teen to have friends over; then make sure you are checking on them regularly down in that basement! It's impossible to hang on your teen like a fly to flypaper. So, give her the tools to make good decisions. Talk to her about sex and the causes of teenage pregnancy. You wouldn't withhold information about preventing type 2 diabetes, so why would you withhold how to prevent teen pregnancy or STDs?

The causes of teen pregnancy are daunting, but what it boils down to is this: Be the parent your teen needs. Be available and interested in their lives. Ask questions. Set rules and stick by them. Be the bad guy because that is the job you signed up for when you had children. Above all, lead them with love.