Although often unexpected, teen pregnancy proves quite common. Close to one million teenage girls give birth in the U.S. every year, according to kidshealth.org. Teen pregnancy is closely associated with many critical social issues including poverty and income, health issues and education. Learning about pregnant teens, and understanding the stats and issues they face, can help educate everyone on how best to face this challenging social phenomenon.
Health Concerns
The health of a pregnant teen has a direct bearing on the health of her unborn child. Unfortunately, "typical" teen behaviors can make maintaining good health during pregnancy difficult. Pregnant teens are less likely to gain enough weight, according to targetwoman.com, which can lead to low birth weight babies. Teens often prove more likely to smoke than adult pregnant women, which can lead to other pregnancy complications including premature delivery and high blood pressure.
The Need for Prenatal Care
Many teens fail to receive adequate prenatal care, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy. This can occur because many girls are afraid to reveal their pregnancy and will keep quiet until they have no choice. The website Pregnant Teen Help points out that pregnant teens who don't receive proper prenatal care run a greater risk for fetal death, labor and delivery complications.
A prenatal care provider can provide education on what to expect during pregnancy, provide some parenting preparedness education, and teach a teen how to take care of herself to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
The Effect on Education
Only one-third of all teenagers who have a baby will graduate from high school, according to an Alan Guttmacher Institute study quoted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Teenage parents often prove more likely to postpone their education or cancel it altogether. The study also states that while 70% of teen moms eventually complete their high school education, they are less likely to continue onto college than their peers who delay pregnancy.
The educational consequences of teen parenthood may also extend to the child once it is born. A Robin Hood Foundation study compared children of teen moms against those of adult moms. The study found that children born to teen mothers had more difficulty in school, and had lower cognitive test scores.
The Costs of Teen Pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy is expensive, and costs the U.S. at least seven billion annually according to pregnanthelp.org. These funds help take care of both the teen mother and her child. In the state of Texas alone, the Department of State Health Services estimates that Medicaid paid for over 17 thousand deliveries at a cost of $41 million dollars.
Support
Whatever road a teen, her friends and family choose to take with regards to teen pregnancy, there is no doubt it is an extremely difficult time. Support remains key to navigating the challenges, emotions and fears that will come up. A "one size fits all" solution does not exist where teen pregnancy is concerned, and open communication remains critical to help everyone consider the future.
Member Comments