How a Teen’s Health Can Be Affected by Pregnancy

Becoming a mother is a life-altering experience whatever your age, but the huge changes which inevitably come the moment you have that positive pregnancy test can seem all too overwhelming for many teenage mums. A young mum-to-be is often faced with all kinds of challenges, from feelings of social isolation as their life takes a new direction from all their friends, to a lack of life skills needed to cope with all the different pregnancy stages and caring for their baby. Support from family and the professional services such as GP or midwives are crucial at this time and it is important for those close to a teenage mum-to-be to be on the lookout for signs that all is not as well as it could be. Here are just some of the highlighted risks to look out for: Pre-natal care: Many teenagers are too afraid to tell others that they are pregnant and so they miss out on the important pre-natal care in those initial pregnancy stages. The first few weeks is when vital screening takes place to spot any complications for mother and baby and is the time pre-natal vitamins such as folic acid need to be taken. Anaemia is also more common among teenage mums and needs to be monitored. High blood pressure: Pregnant teens have been shown to be at higher risk of getting high blood pressure (hypertension) and pre-eclampsia which can lead to complications such as premature birth. These can be properly monitored by your GP or midwife however it can mean the baby needs to be delivered early for the health of the mother, making it more at risk of respiratory, digestive, vision, cognitive, and other problems. STDs (sexually transmitted diseases): Teenage mums need to be aware of the dangers of STDs that come about from casual sex as some be passed on to the baby through the placenta while other, such as Chlamydia and genital herpes, can be transmitted during delivery. Ignorance: Young mums often lack the necessary life experience and skills needed to look after herself during all the pregnancy stages. For example, she might not know to avoid alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs, to eat the right foods, to take regular exercise or even to attend regular pre-natal check-ups. She will need help and advice from close family members and her midwife. Access to book and websites that can advise on how to have a healthy pregnancy can also help. Loneliness and baby blues: Many teenage mums feel scared and isolated and without support they can quickly succumb to feelings of inadequacy and depression. It is important that there are people who she can share her feelings with and who can give her support. There are a wide range of services available to help during all the pregnancy stages and after the baby has arrived. The midwife or health visitor will be able to provide details of what local services are available.