children s health issues
Contraception and Adolescent Pregnancy
Adolescent pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a source of significant emotional stress for adolescents. Pregnant adolescents and their partners tend to drop out of school or job training, thus worsening their economic status, lowering their self-esteem, and straining personal relationships. Pregnant adolescents are less likely than adults to get prenatal care, resulting in poorer pregnancy outcomes, such as higher rates of Preterm (Premature) Newborns . Pregnant adolescents, particularly the very young and those who are not receiving prenatal care, are more likely than women in their 20s to have medical problems such as Infants born to younger adolescents (especially those under 15 years of age) are more likely to be born prematurely and to have a low birth weight. However, with proper prenatal care, older adolescents have no higher risk of pregnancy problems than adults from similar social and economic backgrounds. A pregnant adolescent may choose to continue or Abortion the pregnancy. An adolescent may raise the child herself or together with the child's father, possibly with support of family members, or may give up a child voluntarily ( All of the options may cause emotional stress. Counseling for both the girl and her partner can be very helpful. Counseling should also include education about use of contraception after the pregnancy. An adolescent's parents may have different reactions when their child is pregnant or has impregnated someone. Emotions may range from distress to excitement, apathy, disappointment, or anger. It is important for parents to express their support and willingness to help the adolescent sort through their choices. Parents and adolescents need to communicate openly about abortion, adoption, and parenthood, which are all tough options for adolescents to struggle with alone. 