Teenage Pregnancy
Also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a female under qthe age of 20. Pregnancy can occur with sexual intercourse after the start of ovulation, which can be before the first menstrual period (menarche) but usually occurs after the onset of periods.[4] In well-nourished females, the first period usually takes place around the age of 12 or 13.
- Why are teenagers getting pregnant?
There are a number of reasons that teens end up pregnant. G… Some teenage girls did not believe they could get pregnant because they believed the myth that you can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex or because they didn’t know how ovulation works and when they were most likely to be fertile.
- Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy
The Federal government is
Supporting efforts to prevent teen pregnancy by providing affordable family planning services.
Developing clinical guidance for safe and effective use of birth control.
Developing and evaluating programsExternal in communities where teen births are highest.
DOCTORS, NURSES, and other HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS CAN
• Encourage teens not to have sex.
Recognize LARC as a safe and effective first-line choice of birth control for teens, according to clinical guidelines for adolescents from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Offer a broad range of birth control options to teens, including LARC, and discuss the pros and cons of each.
•Seek training in LARC insertion and removal, have supplies of LARC available, and explore funding options to cover costs.
• Remind teens that LARC by itself does not protect against sexually transmitted disease sand that condoms should also be used every time they have sex.
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS CAN
• Talk with their teens about sex, including:
• encouraging them not to have sex.
• encouraging them to use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, along with condoms to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
• Visit a health care provider with the teen to learn about various types of birth control, including LARC.
• Check with their health plan(s) about coverage of preventive services. Birth control and counseling may be available for teens at no out-of-pocket cost.
TEENS CAN
• Choose not to have sex.
•Talk openly to parents or other trusted adults and ask how they can get birth control if they choose to be sexually active.
•Talk with a health care provider to learn about the best types of birth control for them, and use it and condoms correctly every time.
• Find a nearby clinicExternal that provides birth control.
Reasons of Teenage Pregnancy
What are the reasons why teenagers end up in this situation? A question that’s been poppi’n in our minds for so long and needs to be done. Reasons such as the lack of contraceptives, lack of awareness and pure pressure. Aside from the obvious factors in relation to this topic, parenting also plays an immense role in teenage pregnancy.
This issue has introduced a new global concern to the all of us, especially to parents. Unfortunately some parents believe that they hold no power over their child’s decisions about sex, as their voice has been lost in the buzz of peers and popular culture. Amongst examination, teenage pregnancy is indefinitely caused by poor relationships between teens and their parents and, frequently, their parenting styles. Teenage pregnancy may be the result of lack of love and concern from parents, single parents or absent parents, and permissive parenting styles.The feeling of comfort and security is a feeling which should always be available between a child and his or her parent’s. The ages 13 to 19 are very sensitive years, and adolescents are incredibly easily influenced. It is very easy for teenagers to fall through the cracks, and demonstrate behaviors that will affect them negatively. Parents have strong authority over their children on many decisions, especially sexual relations. However, some parents don’t obtain a strong bond with their children, and barely ever discuss the topic. Some parents don’t communicate with their offspring, and are not involved with their lives. Many parents find it hard to talk about sex with their children, but it is very important to break the silence and for parents to mention their sexual attitudes and values. Parents, who don’t show a concern of teenage pregnancy, may cause them to lose their children to the issue. Many parents are just simply distanced from their children. Some parents don’t spend enough time with their kids, and refuse to listen to their children. Parents aren’t supportive of their children, and don’t engage in activities together. A distanced relation will provide the child with lack of parental love. Lack of love, support and concern are all causes of teen pregnancy. Parents need to be clear about the value of abstinence and the dangers of unprotected sex. Parents need to provide clear messages, and show a strict, but opinionative, attitude about the subject. If teens have the parents, then the parents need to use their power and benefit their child. Many experts believe that permissive parenting is detrimental to the child. It is true, that children need to have freedom to experience and learn on their own. However, excessive freedom is not beneficial to the children. Studies have shown that children need stronger role models and rules to help mould their personality.
Teenage pregnancy is a big responsibility. And it is the responsibility not only a parent but of other adults to assist a child so that she will not be pregnant early. Yes, a baby is cute and all, but teenagers really need to think about what they are getting themselves into, before they accidently
become a teenage mother.
- Effects of Teenage Pregnancy
Teenagers face issues that require them to make costly decisions each and every day. While some risky behaviors such as teen overdoses are on the rise, others, like teen pregnancy, are actually declining. In 2016, the teen birth rate in the United States dropped 9 percent compared to the previous year. Experts believe this record low for teens having babies will continue to be a long-term trend. Even though the number of pregnant teens is on the decline, teenage pregnancy continues to be a significant issue facing families, schools and the medical community. Being a mother requires patience and the ability to manage the stress that comes with having a baby.
Many teens typically lack the skills needed to handle a pregnancy and motherhood. This lack of emotional maturity makes a teen mom, and their baby, more susceptible to other health risks.
- Medical Complications
Too often, teens do not seek adequate medical care during their pregnancy, which can result in moderate to severe complications. The more common medical complications that may occur during a teen pregnancy include anemia, toxemia, high blood pressure, placenta previa and premature birth of the baby.
Teen pregnancy may impact the baby’s growth and development over time. Experts cite delays in intellectual and motor development, and more ongoing medical and behavioral issues in babies born to teen mothers. Ongoing medical care is crucial to prevent these complications from threatening the pregnancy and the mother’s well being.
2. Worries About the Future
Uncertainty about the future may arise when a teen is pregnant. A teen may feel she does not have enough knowledge to be a mother. She may also have fears about how having a baby will impact her own life and dreams for the future.
These worries and concerns can increase if a pregnant teen is also struggling with conflicting emotions of not wanting the baby. This situation may lead to rash behavior such as attempting to self-abort the baby or a suicide attempt.
3. Delayed Education
Education may be put on hold when a teen becomes pregnant. Some pregnant teens may decide to leave high school or finish school at an alternative site. If a teen has goals of attending college after high school, those plans may be put on hold after becoming pregnant. And instead, the new mom may decide to focus on the baby or getting married rather than pursuing further education.
4. Smoking & Drugs
Smoking and drug use may be problematic during a teen pregnancy. A teen may not have the willpower to stop using substances that can harm the developing baby.
5. Exhaustion
Exhaustion may arise during a pregnancy. A pregnant teen should try to exercise during the pregnancy. However, if exhaustion arises, it is important to know that this is often a normal part of pregnancy. Getting the standard eight hours of sleep (or more) every night is important.
Group members:
Roven Janssen Dela Cruz
Denise Grace Golobiogo
Lydel Smile Fajardo
Diana Ocer
Jacquiline Olegon
Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy 