Relationship Advice: Teenage Pregnancy
Problems Associated With Teen Pregnancy
By
Charlene Nuble
Pregnancy is one of the pivotal moments of a woman's life but not
when you’re young with a bright future ahead. Teen pregnancy is one of
the most difficult experiences any young woman can go through. The
stress of pregnancy, revelation of pregnancy to parents, and moving on
despite the shame and worry can be nerve-racking. Indeed pregnancy
especially during teenhood will never
be easy.
According to studies, teenage pregnancies in the United States have
decreased steadily over the years. In 1991, there were 60 out of 1000
young women who gave birth and in 1998, 51 out of 1000 gave birth. This
decrease may be due to the effective use of birth control and decreased
sexual activity among teens.
Yet teen pregnancy rates remain high. According to Women’s Health
Channel, in the United States alone, approximately 1 million teenage
girls experience pregnancy every year. At least 5% of young girls give
birth and in 1997, at least 13% of the births in the US are of teenage
girls. ?? Health risks to the baby and children out of teen pregnancy
are more likely to experience health, social, and emotional problems. An
increased risk for complications such as premature labor in teen
pregnancy and socioeconomic consequences are present.
But there are more serious problems for the teenage mothers-to-be
than the statistics and how the world views them either negatively or
positively. Both the baby and the mother are at risk in major areas of
life such as school failure, poverty, and physical or mental illness.
Pregnant teenagers may not seek proper medical care that may lead to
a bigger risk of medical complications. In their pregnancy, they need
understanding, medical care, and education – particularly in nutrition
and complications of pregnancy.
Pregnancy to teenagers brings all sorts of emotions. Some do not want
their babies while others feel that its creation is an achievement. Some
feel guilty and anxious while others feel that they need to baby to love
but not aware of the special care it would need. Also, depression is
common during pregnancy in teenagers. And when worse comes to worst, a
pregnant teenager may even require the help of a mental health
professional.
Teen pregnancy can be risky to unborn babies. Teen pregnancy results
to underweight babies, poor eating habits of the teenager, and smoking
and drinking tendencies of the pregnant girl. Lastly, pregnant teens are
less likely to seek prenatal care.
Unwanted pregnancy can be prevented through open communication and
providing guidance regarding sexuality, contraception, and risks and
responsibilities of possible pregnancy. Sexual education and family life
in schools can also prevent unwanted pregnancies. Finally, support of
family and love will greatly help pregnant teens.
Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S
resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links
must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
pregnancy, please go to:
http://pregnancy.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and
information on all health related topics, go to:
http://www.besthealthlink.net/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
|
