Pregnancy in Your Teen Years
- low birth weight/premature birth.
- anemia (low iron levels)
- high blood pressure/pregnancy-induced hypertension, PIH (can lead to preeclampsia)
- a higher rate of infant mortality (death)
- possible greater risk of cephalopelvic disproportion* (the baby's head is wider than the pelvic opening)
Every pregnant woman should receive prenatal care as soon as possible, especially if she is planning to continue her pregnancy. When you a pregnant 13-year-old, there are some added risks of pregnancy; your body may not be fully developed yet to carry a child to term and have a safe delivery.
Pregnant teens have a higher risk of getting high blood pressure -- called pregnancy-induced hypertension -- than pregnant women in their 20s or 30s. They also have a higher risk of preeclampsia. And, they can lead to further pregnancy complications such as premature birth.
Peer Pressure and Sexual Abuse
The partner may manipulate the other to have unprotected sex which leads to unintended pregnancy. Sexual abuse is also another reason why teens may become pregnant. Early sexual abuse has been linked to later teen pregnancies.The Conversation
- First, find the words. You might say, "I have something difficult to tell you.
- Be prepared to deal with the reaction. What happens next?
- Give your parents time to speak without jumping in. Listen to what they say.
- Tell them how you feel.
- If you need to, get help breaking the news.
Teen pregnancies carry extra health risks to both the mother and the baby. Often, teens don't get prenatal care soon enough, which can lead to problems later on. They have a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure and its complications. Risks for the baby include premature birth and a low birth weight.
One of the most common risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy is the age of the mother-to-be. Women who will be under age 17 or over age 35 when their baby is due are at greater risk of complications than those between their late teens and early 30s.
Teen pregnancy prevention is a national priority. Teen pregnancy and childbirth contribute significantly to dropout rates among high school females, increased health and foster care costs, and a wide range of developmental problems for children born to teen mothers.
The Conversation
- First, find the words. You might say, "I have something difficult to tell you.
- Be prepared to deal with the reaction. What happens next?
- Give your parents time to speak without jumping in. Listen to what they say.
- Tell them how you feel.
- If you need to, get help breaking the news.
Teens are at a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and its complications than average age mothers. Risks for the baby include premature birth and low birth weight. Preeclampsia can also harm the kidneys or even be fatal for mother or baby.
5 Simple Strategies To Reduce Teen Pregnancies That Worked In This Rural South Carolina Town
- Teach kids comprehensive sex ed.
- Target messages at teen boys, not just at the girls.
- Get the whole community involved.
- Make condoms widely available.
- Encourage mentoring.
Claim: Taking a Hot Bath Can Cause a Miscarriage
The problem with hot tubs (or hot baths) is related to an increased body temperature overall rather than submerging your abdomen. Allowing your body temperature to get too high during pregnancy has also been linked with neural tube defects and is not recommended.Another form of teenage pregnancy prevention that is being taught in schools is various contraceptive techniques. Although abstinence remains the best way to prevent pregnancy among teens, it is a fact that there are still a large number of them who will be involved in sexual relations.
Pregnancy in Your Teen Years
- low birth weight/premature birth.
- anemia (low iron levels)
- high blood pressure/pregnancy-induced hypertension, PIH (can lead to preeclampsia)
- a higher rate of infant mortality (death)
- possible greater risk of cephalopelvic disproportion* (the baby's head is wider than the pelvic opening)
In many states, if you are 14 and pregnant, you will need parental permission to obtain an abortion. This is because you are still a minor, and your parents have the responsibility to determine what kind of medical care you receive.
According to the latest available data, New Mexico was the state with the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the U.S., followed by Arkansas and Mississippi. Although New Mexico has the highest teen pregnancy rate, California is the state with the highest number of teenage pregnancies.
