The Uncertainties of Teenage Pregnancy

Pregnancy is essentially one of the joyful experiences of being a woman. The process of anticipating, nurturing and giving life can be a momentous event for a woman. Despite some discomforts, pregnancy is one on the pivotal moments in a woman’s life. But perhaps not in the case of unwanted teenage pregnancy. Teenage life is basically the stage of adolescence, and as such, pregnancy for a teenager can cause much distress and anxiety. Instead of discovering her potential and her identity, teenage pregnancy can place an unnecessary burden to a teenage girl. The stress during the pregnancy, revealing it to the parents and the shame and worry teenage pregnancy brings can cause so much pressure on the mother thus affecting her health and well-being. nnAlthough teenage pregnancy in the United States has steadily decreased over the years, the pregnancy rate among teenagers remain high. In 1991, 60 out of 1000 young women gave birth during their teens but in 1998, the number was reduced to 51 out of 1000. Such outcome was instigated by the use of contraceptive measures and less sexual activity among teenagers. But the statistics remain alarming according to the Women’s Health Channel. Approximately 1 million women is beset by teenage pregnancy annually in the United States alone. Thirteen percent of pregnant women in 1997 were teenage girls. As the mother is basically unprepared for pregnancy, early pregnancy can put significant health risks to herself as well as to her unborn child. nnTeenage pregnancy cannot only place the mother’s health to a detriment but can consequently beget social and emotional issues as well. As for the baby, teenage pregnancy can lay bare complications such as premature labor and birth. Socioeconomic consequences may also present themselves during and after teenage pregnancy. As adolescence is certainly not an ideal time for pregnancy, teenage pregnancy can put failed academic performance, poverty, physical and mental illness as matters to be dealt with. As teenage mothers are generally caught unprepared and unaware of the proper measure to implement for a healthy pregnancy, these young women may not seek medical care and attention which may lead to possible medical complications. nnDuring teenage pregnancy, the mother may need emotional understanding, proper medical care and education as a healthy pregnancy is a venture that needs scrupulous grounding. A teenage mother must be aware as well of her nutrition needs and the potential complications of pregnancy. As most of the teenage pregnancy cases are unplanned, the young mother may experience varied emotions. Some teenage mothers may have positive feeling about the pregnancy while others might be reluctant to be mothers. Guilt and anxiety are also prevalent emotions triggered by teenage pregnancy. Depression as well can be the most common concern for a teenage mother. nnAt worst, a pregnant teenager may even require the attention of a mental health professional. Studies have shown that teenage pregnancy can result to underweight babies as there is a tendency for the mother to have poor eating habits and to smoke and drink. Parental obligation is necessary for teenage pregnancy prevention. Parents and community authorities must ensure that teenagers are educated and guided on the issues of sexuality, std, contraception and the risks and responsibilities of pregnancy. Young as they are, family and community support must be made available to adolescents so as not to get involved in the complicated lot of teenage pregnancy.