Teen Pregnancy Risks

FACTS Over one million teens become pregnant each year Majority is unplanned Drastically alters their lives Increased health risks Social development for mom is altered Educational goals are altered 2/3 of all U.S. births to teens are unmarried

Health Risks Nutritional needs are already high for teens and greater when pregnancy occurs Quality of food is usually not as good in teens Mother and baby compete for nutrients Most teens don’t get adequate exercise and rest Some teens have developed harmful habits Less than 2/3 receive prenatal care early on

Health Risks Complications of the pregnancy could be toxemia and anemia. Infant mortality rate is greater Percentage of birth defects is greater

Risk to Baby Low birth weight- 5lb. And under Premature due to the size of the mother and compromised health as a result of such a young age. Often, but not always the organs are not fully formed- heart, lungs, and liver. Etc. Double the risks when it’s the second child for the teen

Education 2/3 of pregnant teens drop out Many teens do not graduate from high school – 70% Only a small percentage will graduate from college; lack of education limits employment opportunities Earning potential is lowered Quality of parenting due to the education needs of new teen mom

Financial Stress 2/3 spend their entire lives in poverty Largest expense is housing. Major stress occurs in the home in the division of work and child care, food, clothing, etc. Financial programs last for up to five years. Welfare is a one time event in an individuals life. The teen mother may qualify for various other programs which involve the children

Emotional/ social stress Often unprepared for the emotional stress of baby. Lifelong responsibilities; More feelings of uncertainty about future, baby and the relationship with the baby’s father. Many teen fathers stay connected to the child Teen marriage is more likely to end in divorce later in life. Pregnancy is the only thing the couple has in common Some have strong lasting marriages

Emotional/ social stress Isolation from friends New roles Increased rate of child abuse Higher divorce rate Higher rate of single-parent Emotional immaturity contributes to an increased rate of child abuse Teens generally lack understanding in the four major needs of children

Alternatives Single-parent Marriage Adoption Abortion

Successful teen parents Good prenatal care from the beginning Maturity to accept the responsibilities of parenthood and the put child first. Stay in school! Providing for baby. ( Check into other programs offered) Take advantage of other resources

Seeking help Baby’s father – Emotional and financial Parents Teachers, counselor, school-nurse Family planning counselor