According to Pregnant Teen Help, over 750,000 teenagers will get pregnant each year. This is a statistic that has lowered in numbers since the 1990's mainly due to more teen pregnancy prevention programs in schools and contraceptive availability. Teen pregnancy has an array of effects on the teen parents, their families and the baby. Understand the fundamentals of teenage pregnancy to provide help and support.
Prenatal Care
The health care of a teenager who is pregnant is important for both her well being and the health of the unborn child. Because many teenagers are scared to talk to their parents, some hold off on getting proper prenatal care. The American Pregnancy Association explains that prenatal care is important for several reasons. It can help to diagnose fetal problems early on such as abnormal gestation, fetal malformation and overall fetal health and well being. Prenatal care also assures that the mother is in good health so she can deliver the baby safely.
Assistance
Most pregnant teenagers require assistance in the care of their pregnancy and their unborn child. This can come in several forms such as assistance with care of the baby, housing and food assistance, government assistance and child support. The Women's Health Channel shares that only around one-third of pregnant teenagers finish high school and get their diploma. Many pregnant teenagers are still in school and utilize the assistance of educational services geared toward pregnant teens. These services offer GED programs so they can finish their education in a positive, reinforced environment.
Considerations
According to Teen Health, most teenage pregnancies are unintentional. Teenagers are more likely to get pregnant if they are not involved in after school activities, have jobs and participate in sports. Sports and being involved in clubs gives teenagers a sense of self worth and involves spending time under supervised conditions. Teenagers who are pregnant may have a difficult time finding a job and completing sports activities because of their changing bodies and health concerns related to pregnancy.
Self Care
Aside of going to school and getting things ready for the new delivery, pregnant teens need to focus on taking care of themselves first and foremost. This includes being prepared to handle the new responsibilities of being a mom and learning what to expect while they are pregnant and getting ready to deliver. Kids Health states that attending prenatal classes will help her learn the fundamentals of giving birth and what to expect during the last trimester of pregnancy. Learning how to handle stress is equally important. Avoiding confrontation with people who are negative or overbearing and dealing with frustration and resentment in a positive manner will help keep the pregnant teen focused on her goals.
Effects
The effects of being a pregnant teenager can be devastating. According to Smith.edu, the pregnant teen may miss out on activities related to school and friends. She will have to save money to care for her child rather than be able to buy clothes for herself or go to events such as proms and field trips. Not all teens get support from their parents. A teen mother may be forced to live in a women's shelter or with other family members. Some teens make the decision to give their baby up for adoption so that he may have a better life with two stable parents. Other pregnant teenagers may decide to get married at a young age in order to raise their child with the biological dad.
