The statistics on teen pregnancy is startling even with a decrease since 1990. The decrease has been attributed to the increase use of condoms. Of course, even using condoms, there is still a chance for pregnancy. Only abstinence is 100 percent safe. A large number of teenagers are not using any birth control and 90 percent of those teens will end up pregnant within one year.
Even more surprising is the fact that even though the United States is one of the more industrialized nations; the US has the highest rate of pregnancy, abortion, and childbirth among teenagers. This is an incredible statistic when you add into the mix there a several other countries with similar or higher sexual activity in their teenagers.
What are the factors in play on who will be a pregnant teen?
· Teenagers who begin to date at age 12 will have a 91 percent chance of becoming sexually involved before age 19.
· Teenagers who begin to date at age 13 will have a 56 percent chance of becoming sexually involved before age 19.
· Teenagers who drop out of school are more likely to become pregnant
· Those who grew up in poverty
· Those teenagers who own mothers were 19 years old or younger when they had their first child.
· A teenager who is the victim of sexual abuse or assault.
· A teenager with no support system and/or few friends.
· A teenager who does not get involved in school, family or community.
· Communities in which childbearing at an early age is not only accepted but encouraged.
· Teenagers who believe there is little or no opportunity for success.
· Teenagers who use alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
Pregnancy Symptoms
1. Abdominal distention
2. Breast enlargement and tenderness
3. Fatigue
4. Light headedness and/or actual fainting
5. Missed periods
6. Nausea and vomiting
Pregnant teenagers may not show a weight gain for several months due to severe vomiting or nausea. But there will be an increase in the girth of the abdomen. A doctor may be able to feel the fundus also known as the top of the uterus
A teenager who finds themselves pregnant will need to see their family doctor or a gynecologist for a pelvic examination. The exam may show a bluish or purple color of the vaginal walls and cervix. The cervix will also show evidence of softening. The uterus will also begin to enlarge.
A pregnancy test from either urine or blood will verify the pregnancy. The blood work will show serum HCG which indicates you are pregnant. An ultrasound will be performed to check on the dates of conception and determine a due date. While these tests go great lengths to determine the age of the fetus, the dates are only an approximate date.
It is after the pregnancy is confirmed that the teenager has options. The teenager can obtain an abortion as long as they are able to meet their states laws. Adoption is a great option if the teenager doesn’t wish to have an abortion but can also look at the situation realistically. A teenager considering adoption understands the work and demands of motherhood; she understands that adoption will allow the child to be raised by older parents.
Statistics show that the majority of pregnant teenagers are keeping their children. The teenagers are in need of specialized prenatal care. Teenage mothers are at risk for health risks for themselves and their child. Teenage mothers need to be aware of the risks smoking, drinking and drugs is for themselves and the baby. Support and assistance in order to quit their habits will be necessary.
Nutrition and education are also vital to a teenager’s pregnancy. Explaining how proper nutrition will affect growth and development of the child is necessary. The mother to be will need to receive traditional education, possibly in a non-traditional manner. Education focusing on baby care and parenting skills is essential to give the mother the skills necessary to care for her child.
The risks to the teenage mother’s health include:
· Placenta Previa
· Pregnancy induced hypertension
· Premature delivery
· Significant anemia
· Toxemia
The risks to the infant’s health include:
· Two to six times likely to have low birth weight due to prematurity
· Low birth weight due to intrauterine growth retardation
· Infection
· Chemical dependency
· Developmental disabilities
· Higher risk of dying within the first year if mother is under 20 years old
The United States needs to focus more to lower the pregnancy rate of teenagers and increase the prenatal care of the teenage girls who find themselves pregnant with plans of raising the child.
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