Teenage pregnancy can affect an individual's life adversely. Read on to know the disadvantages of teenage pregnancy and how it can be prevented.
An unwanted teenage pregnancy is a significant problem worldwide. A girl getting pregnant in her teen years is likely to suffer from lots of physical and psychological problems. In developing countries like India she may have to confront many social issues. Teen pregnancy can become a cause of embarrassment for the family of the girl if the girl is not married. Life is not easy for a teenage mother and her child. Sometimes teenagers pre-plan the pregnancy but they are at high risks for health problems than girls who delay child bearing.
Risk factors of teenage pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy also referred as adolescent pregnancy is one that occurs from the puberty to the age of 19. Babies delivered by teenagers have several risk factors. Premature birth, birth of underdeveloped child, delivering a baby with low birth weight, blood pressure problems, low iron level in blood, threat of sexually transmitted diseases and hypertension are common risks factors regarding the teenage pregnancy.
Teenage pregnancy has higher rates of mortality for both mother and an infant. Overall, teenage pregnancies increase health complications. Most teenage girls get pregnant without an intention to conceive. No contraceptive is foolproof. Teenagers do not stop drinking, smoking or consuming drugs during pregnancy, thus harming their foetus.
Disadvantages of unwanted teenage pregnancy
In developing countries early marriage is the cause of the teenage pregnancy. Child marriages end in teenage pregnancy making life difficult for mothers. In the case of unwed mothers, a boy or man who impregnates the girl often stays out of the picture once he gets to know about the outcome of their relationship. Several factors such as peer pressure, drug addiction, interplay of hormones during puberty can lead teenagers to develop early sexual relationships. Following are the consequences faced by teenage mothers.
- Teenage mothers are most likely to dropout of the high schools or colleges without completing their education
- Children of teenage mothers get minimum health care
- In countries like India, a girl and her family are ridiculed in society
- Getting financial security and raising their children becomes difficult for teenage mothers
- Teenage pregnancy results in poor economic conditions and single parenting
- Usually teenage fathers are not ready for and deny to take responsibility of their children
- Children of teenagers are subject to abuse and neglect
- Teenage mothers have to depend on their parents for financial and emotional support
How to prevent teenage pregnancy?
Teenagers are at a vulnerable stage of life. Their eagerness and curiosity may lead them straight into lifetime problems. However, the four ‘A’s are the most popular options to deal with the teenage pregnancy.
Abstinence
Abstinence from sex before marriage can prevent the teenage pregnancy at large. Parents should not depend solely on schools to educate children about sex education. The forbidden fruit is often the sweetest but its consequences can be dangerous. Early sexual intercourse increases the risks of sexually transformed diseases including HIV- AIDS. Self-discipline is always better then regret.
Awareness
Having safe sex by taking precautions is the best way to prevent unwanted early pregnancies. Parents should educate teenagers about various contraception methods. You are not encouraging your children to have sex by informing them about birth controls and sex. So be prompt and communicate.
Abortion
Abortion is the most worthy option when it comes to the teenage pregnancy. In most cases teenage girls are not capable of raising child due to social, financial and physiological reasons. In western countries many teenage mothers do prefer to give birth to the child. Some may consider abortion. It is highly situational.
Adoption
Adoption is another potential option. Sometimes diagnosis of pregnancy is done late. In rare cases abortion is not possible due to various medical reasons. There are many people who are ready to adopt children. Very few teenage mothers though opt for letting their child adopted. However adoption must take place through a legal process.
Teenagers who have no option but to give birth need to make many lifestyle changes to ensure healthy child birth. In India if a girl bears child before marriage, she is subjected to traumatic experiences. Life can change entirely and a young woman may be forced to grow up before her time.
The only possible way to avoid teenage pregnancy is by awareness and communication. Be approachable and build your relationships on trust. Enlighten your children about the use of birth control methods and provide adequate sex education. Ignorance is not always bliss.
What do you think about teenage pregnancy? Do you agree that teenage mother go through lots of problems? What can be done to prevent teenage pregnancy? To share your tips, views, and experiences, click here.
