Teenage pregnancy
The US has the highest rate of
teenage pregnancy in the industrialized world, and it’s on the rise again after
declining for a number of years – up to 31 percent of girls fall pregnant at
least once before they reach 20.
Getting pregnant is a big deal
whatever your age – but if you're pregnant and still in your teens, it's an
even greater challenge. It's likely your pregnancy was unplanned and you may
still feel as if you have a lot of growing up to do yourself. Suddenly you're
faced with all this new responsibility and it's hard to imagine how you're
going to cope. But don't panic!
If your pregnancy wasn't
planned, it's likely you're experiencing a range of emotions: surprise,
worry, anger, happiness, confusion. All these feelings are normal – most
moms-to-be experience some or all of them even if their baby was planned.
Hopefully you've got a supportive family and network of friends who’ll be there
for you – their help is vital, so lean on them.
Try to accept that some people
are bound to have a negative view. Everyone has their own opinion on what the
'correct' age is to have a baby and many people believe younger moms aren’t
good moms. This isn't true, so try not to become disheartened – the important
thing to remember is that you can be a great mom whatever your age.
Preparing for your baby?
You’re going to need as much
help as possible if you do find yourself pregnant in your teens. Hopefully your
partner will help as much as he can, but your family may also step in too.
There are lots of articles and videos on gurgle that will help you to prepare
for the arrival of a baby – for instance, bathing your baby, breastfeeding and bottlefeeding.
Babies are expensive, but you
don't need to go overboard buying cute outfits. Make a list of what you might
need and ask friends and relatives to help you out with big-ticket items such
as a stroller, car seat and crib. Babies grow out of clothes very quickly so
only buy a few items when you need them – and don’t forget that Goodwill is a
great source of baby clothes and equipment.
It's also important that you’re
ready labor and birth. Childbirth education classes are essential and gurgle also has many articles on labor,
birth and baby care.
Teens who want a baby
Not all teenage pregnancies are
unwanted but if you’re a teen who wants to be a mom there are many factors you
need to consider. Have you considered the cost of having a baby? They’re
incredibly expensive – think about the cost of food, diapers and clothing, not
to mention providing them with a home. As important as the financial costs are the
emotional implications. Are you really ready to make the necessary sacrifices
to care for another human being who’s totally dependent on you? You may not
have been in your relationship for very long (see are you in a stable relationship?) and having a baby puts a huge strain on any couple. You
must also consider the fact that your
life is going to change
dramatically. While your friends are going out and enjoying themselves, you’ll
be at home bringing up a baby. And what about your studies? Less than a third of teenage
parents earn a high school diploma and only 1.5 percent earn a college degree
by the age of 30. Read do you really feel ready for a baby?.
There are also health
implications. Teenagers often don’t receive prenatal care as early as they
should, especially if they’re concealing their pregnancy from their parents.
Teens have a greater risk of high blood pressure and anemia in pregnancy,
pre-term labor and of giving birth to a low birthweight baby. They’re more
likely to engage in risky behavior that could harm their developing baby, such
as smoking.
And thinking long term, babies
born to teenage moms are more at risk of neglect. They’re more likely to do
badly at school, live in poverty and develop physical or mental illness.
Helpful advice:
Young Mommies
www.youngmommies.com
National Campaign to Prevent
Teen Pregnancy www.teenpregnancy.org
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 08/01/2008