The Facts On Teen Pregnancy

The Facts On Teen Pregnancy

Many people are pleased to discover that the teen pregnancy rates are declining. However, there are still about one million teenage girls who will discover they are pregnant this year. Sadly, teen pregnancy is often followed with another teen pregnancy. In fact, a female that has a teen pregnancy will have an increased chance of up to 25% of having another pregnancy within two years of her first delivery.

One of the most important issues that should be addressed about teen pregnancy is the importance of educating pregnant teens about proper eating habits. When compared to adult pregnant women, pregnant teens are less likely to gain an adequate amount of weight during their pregnancies. If a pregnant female does not gain weight at a steady and moderate rate during her pregnancy she may have a child that has a low birth weight. If a baby is born with a low birth weight he or she is more susceptible to a host of health problems, including underdeveloped organs.

It is very important that teenage girls who are pregnant receive routine prenatal care. There are some teens that hide their pregnancy and they do not receive the prenatal care that they need. Babies who are born to mothers who receive little or no prenatal care are more likely to become ill and die before they reach their first birthdays. Unfortunately, teenagers who are pregnant are more likely to smoke, drink and take illicit drugs during their pregnancy. Those involved in a teen pregnancy should receive routine prenatal care and be educated about the harms that smoking, drinking and illegal drugs pose to their health and the health of their unborn baby.

While there should never be blanket statements made about a teen pregnancy or the children of teen parents, statistics do show that children who are the result of a teen pregnancy are less likely to receive the health care they need. This could include social and cognitive stimulation, general health care and nutrition. In addition, statistics report that males that are born to a teen mother are more likely to become incarcerated when they are adults when compared to males who are born to adult mothers. Girls who are born to a teen mother are more likely to wind up being teen mothers, too.

There are things that we can do to help the teenagers in our lives.

First, the communication lines between adults and teenagers should be open. Every teen should have at least one adult in their lives that is open to talking about sex, peer pressure and feelings.

Second, teens should be taught about sexual pressure and what to do if they are being pressured. Help your teen develop his or her communication skills so if they find themselves in an uncomfortable sexual situation he or she will have the skills to say no.

Third, you should talk to your teenager about contraceptives and make them available should your teen decide to become sexually active.

Fourth, teenagers should know and feel that they are loved by the adults in their lives. Unfortunately, many times teenagers turn to sex simply because they do not feel loved on the home front.

Fifth, if your teen becomes involved in a teen pregnancy you should do everything within your power to help guide him or her every step of the way. Do everything within your power to ensure that your teen’s health and well being are your number one priority.