When a woman under 19 years of age gets pregnant, it is an adolescent or teenage pregnancy. Nearly 21 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 get pregnant, and approximately 12 million of them give birth each year in developing countries. In this, approximately 10 million teenage girls may have an unintended pregnancy, and nearly 777,000 pregnancies occur in girls below age 15 (1). Teenage pregnancy is concerning since it can be associated with a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. High blood pressure, anemia, and infections are common in teen mothers. In many cases, babies can also be prematurely born or have low weight (1). Read on to know the pregnancy symptoms, health risks, and other challenges of teen pregnancy and ways to cope with it.
Signs And Symptoms Of Teenage Pregnancy
Signs and symptoms of teenage pregnancy can be similar to pregnancy symptoms in women of other age groups. Missing the menstrual period can be the initial sign of pregnancy. However, teenage girls can have missed periods or irregular periods due to different reasons. You may have to confirm pregnancy with a urine pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for the exact cause of missed menstruation. The other signs and symptoms of pregnancy may include (2): These symptoms can also be seen in other medical conditions, and the symptoms may vary among girls. You may seek the help of health care providers for the exact diagnosis.
Why Can Teenage Pregnancy Be A Problem?
Teenage childbearing is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. Most teen girls may not be matured enough for childbearing and childcare. Babies born to teenage girls may have health problems due to inadequate prenatal care. Lack of prenatal vitamins, minerals, and other forms of care may increase the risk of health issues in both mothers and babies. Most teen pregnancies are unintended and may have severe consequences for a teen’s mental and physical health. Social issues and lack of financial support could affect the psychological well-being of young women, and they may often develop depression and ignorance towards infants. Along with the health risks, it can be difficult for teen mothers to seek proper prenatal care if they do not have financial resources. It will be hard for them to take care of themselves and their education along with the baby. Lack or delay in prenatal care can be the primary reason for most of the health risks of adolescent pregnancy. A pregnant teen may be vulnerable to developing the following health problems (3).
Anemia Depression Excess or poor weight gain
Undernutrition or malnutrition Eclampsia (seizures in pregnant women with preeclampsia, that is, organ failure due to high blood pressure)
Babies born to teen mothers may also have certain health risks, including (3):
Low birth weight Premature birth Congenital malformations High risk of sudden infant death syndrome Risk of mental retardation, brain damage and birth injuries
The absence of a family support system and a lack of income sources can further make teen pregnancy challenging. Unintended pregnancy may cause postpartum depression and postpartum blues in some teenage mothers. Being a mother of more than a child can be extremely difficult for teen parents, especially for single mothers without support.
What Are The Probable Consequences Of Teenage Pregnancy?
The significant consequences of teen pregnancy may include the following (4). Altogether, it is not easy for a child to take care of another child. Many teen parents may not be able to ensure the well-being of the newborn since they lack resources and knowledge.
How To Reduce The Risks Of Teen Pregnancy?
The best method to reduce the risk of teen pregnancy is to educate children about reproductive health from an early age. There are many ways to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, thus seek medical care for appropriate prescriptions. Parents can adopt the following methods that may help reduce the incidence of teen and adolescent pregnancies (4) (5).
Reproductive education helps reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies among teenage girls.
You can develop strong bonding with your child to make them comfortable to share any incidence of sexual abuse or unprotected sex.
Have a two-way conversation about sex and your teen’s perception of it. Gradually acquaint the teen about the consequences of unprotected sex and teenage pregnancy.
Teenage is the phase when dating tends to begin. Acquaint the teen with ways of setting boundaries in their relationship.
It is okay to set rules on dating but do so while considering your teen’s opinion. Have a discussion with the teen to reach a consensus.
If pregnancy is discovered, then act promptly. You may discuss the possible options and resources to avoid the continuation of pregnancy as per doctors’ recommendations. If your teen decides to continue the pregnancy, then the teen should take the following steps to reduce the risks.
Ensure regular prenatal care as soon as possible to reduce the health risks and complications of teen pregnancy and childbirth
Take prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid congenital malformations and other complications
Avoid alcohol, drugs, or tobacco use
Follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated
Do walking or other exercises suggested by the doctor
Less information about reproductive health and rights Sexual violence against vulnerable teenagers Family or community pressure for early marriage and lack of access to contraception Lack of proper education due to discontinuation of school
Poverty Low maternal education level Having a mother who gave birth in her teens Having a single parent Staying in a household where conflicts are frequent Alcohol and drug abuse Low self-esteem A teen’s race and ethnicity
