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Loice Vavi Health Matters
Definition
It is when a woman under the age of 20 years gets pregnant. It usually refers to ages between 15-19 however, it can include girls as young as 10 years.
The only way to prevent teenage pregnancy is not to have sexual intercourse. Child births are the leading cause of death globally for girls between the ages of 15-19.
Causes of teenage pregnancy
Lack of health education about sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Inadequate access to health services offered to young people.
Family, community and social pressure to marry.
Sexual violence which should be reported to police as soon as it is noticed.
Child and early forced marriages.
School drop out or lack of education.
Risk factors for teenage pregnancies
FAMILY
Single parent households.
Single mothers’ dating behaviours
Lack of positive family interaction
Lack of parental guidance or supervision
Lack of parent-child communication
Teen parent
Peers
Sexual pressure from peers
Belief that most peers are sexually active
Having friends that are sexually active
Dating someone who is 3-5 years older
Community/ culture
Lack of accurate sexual and reproductive health information. High rates of divorce, violent crime and high school drop outs. Low community income. Lack of community coordinated programmes for youths. Lack of social support, positive educational and recreational activities.
Individual
Early onset of puberty, Siblings who are sexual active, Lack of spiritual life, Alcohol and drug use, Low self esteem, Limited education
Lack of future oriented goals
Consequences of teenage pregnancy
Low education achievement
Medical and maternal complications
Higher subsequent fertility
Life time of economic stress and limited opportunities and end up living in poverty
Marital failure because of early or forced marriages
Children born to teen mothers are more likely to have mental and physical health problems
Some of teen mothers complications.
Pregnant induced hypertension or eclampsia that can harm kidneys or even be fatal to mother and baby.
Pre-term birth and low birth weight babies
Mothers have high chances of becoming anemic and this affect both mother and baby development in utero.
Cephalo-pelvic disproportion whereby the mother is not able to have a normal delivery and this will only need experts in health.
Depression because one might feel frightened and worried about telling family and friends.
Tips for parents to help their children to avoid teen pregnancies
Be clear about own sexual values and attitude. Talk with children early and often about sex and love and be specific. Supervise and monitor children’ activities. Know your children’ friends and families. Discourage early dating. Take a strong stand against teens dating people who are significantly older or younger than they are. Help teens have options for the future that are much more attractive than early pregnancies and parenthood. Emphasise on importance of education.
Tips for parents to help their children to avoid teen pregnancies
Know what children are reading ,watching and listening to.
Strive for a relationship that is warm of affectionate, firm in discipline and rich in communication.
CONCLUSION
Teen mothers can have healthy pregnancy and babies if they see Obstetricians and Midwives as soon as possible and attend all their antenatal visits or appointments. Proper obstetrical care through out pregnancy is very crucial to the health and well being of both the mother and the baby however, by being aware of the factors that can influence teen pregnancies , parents , teen and the communities can work together to prevent and reduce teen pregnancies and unplanned pregnancies.
For more information contact [email protected] or 0772224231
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