According to KidsHealth.org, nearly 1 million teenagers give birth each year in the United States. Teenage pregnancies are often unplanned and can drastically change the lives of many individuals involved, including mom-to-be, dad-to-be, their parents, siblings and other close family members. Teen pregnancy -- especially in early adolescents -- can be a frightening time. As a result, early adolescents may employ a variety of coping mechanisms.
Denial
According to KidsHealth.org, pregnancy in younger teenagers often leads to denial. An adolescent may try to hide her pregnancy from parents, friends and other family members. Pregnant adolescents can be terrified enough of being pregnant that they try to deny to themselves that they are pregnant. This can be dangerous to the health of both mom-to-be and baby. Medical care is necessary as soon as possible in a pregnancy. Since the bodies of younger teens are not fully developed, a pregnancy may be considered high risk. Concerns can include high blood pressure, premature labor, stillbirths, low birth weight, anemia and fetal death.
Isolation
If an adolescent girl realizes she is pregnant, she may try to isolate herself from the people she needs most -- including family and friends. By isolating herself, an adolescent may feel as if she is better able to hide her pregnancy, according to Jeanne Warren Lindsay and Jean Brunelli, authors of "Your Pregnancy and Newborn Journey: A Guide for Pregnant Teens." Isolation can lead a teen to feel like no one notices she is pregnant. Isolation may also include wearing baggy clothes in an effort to hide a growing belly.
Preparation
According to Western Michigan University, teens have a lot of obstacles to overcome. Teen mothers are more likely to drop out of school and more likely to end up on welfare. Teen moms are also likely to experience domestic violence. Many pregnant adolescents fear the journey ahead of them. As a result of fear, some teenagers may try to finish high school early, look for a job and encourage the baby's father to do the same. Others look for alternative schooling options -- home schooling, online school or schools that accommodate teen mothers. Others may rebel and act out. They may choose not to finish school or resume partying ways -- including drugs, unprotected sex and alcohol.
Considerations
Early adolescent pregnancy is not an easy task. Pregnant teenagers and teenage moms are required to grow up sooner than peers and are responsible for another life, causing teens to miss out on being a child themselves -- including proms, sports, weekends with their friends and going away to college. This can lead to depression, anger, guilt, fear and anxiety. Pregnancy is different for each adolescent girl depending on the support of the father, parents -- including the father's parents -- extended family and friends.
References
- KidsHealth; When Your Teen is Having a Baby; Krishna Wood White, MD MPH; Sept. 2008
- Western Michigan University; Teen Pregnancy and Parenting Risks and Consequences; Teresa A. Valdez
- "Your Pregnancy and Newborn Journey"; Jeanne Warren Lindsay and Jean Brunelli; April 1, 2004
