Over the last decade, the number of teenage pregnancies in the United States has been on a steady decline. Television shows like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom are using the media as a platform to have open discussions about pregnancy preventions and young motherhood. While teenage pregnancy is decreasing, it is still high. It is very important to educate teens and young adults on young pregnancies and the effects on themselves and their children. Children who are born to teenage mothers are faced with struggles in their lives due to higher risks for birth defects and health issues, education struggles, and the likelihood of teenage pregnancies themselves.
A child from a teenage pregnancy has a higher probability of suffering from a number of …show more content…
“Between 2003 and 2005, preterm birth rates averaged 14.5 percent for women under age 20 compared to 11.9 percent for women ages 20 to 29.5” (Teenage Pregnancy). Premature labor is labor that occurs before 37 weeks. When a child is born before 37 weeks, the body is not fully developed. “Premature babies can face newborn health risks, long-term disabilities or death” (Teenage Pregnancy). No matter the age of the mother, a premature birth is always very scary. As a teen mom, the stress and anxiety of a premature delivery can be devastating. Teenagers deal with hormonal changes, pressures, stress, and depression on a daily basis. Teen’s are often not equipped with the skills and knowledge to emotionally care for themselves or a helpless baby when things get …show more content…
Because teens have had little “real life” experience, they are often unprepared to care for another human. Babies require constant time, attention, and supervision. Often teen parents do not have the means to provide for the child’s needs. “Babies born to teenagers are at risk for neglect and abuse because their young mothers are uncertain about their roles and may be frustrated by the constant demands of caretaking” (When Children). Neglect is common in situations where poverty, single parenthood, and substance abuse are found. Unfortunately, these factors are also common among young parents. A child that is neglected or abused can suffer from physical injuries, emotional and mental health problems, and can often turn into a violent
A child from a teenage pregnancy has a higher probability of suffering from a number of …show more content…
“Between 2003 and 2005, preterm birth rates averaged 14.5 percent for women under age 20 compared to 11.9 percent for women ages 20 to 29.5” (Teenage Pregnancy). Premature labor is labor that occurs before 37 weeks. When a child is born before 37 weeks, the body is not fully developed. “Premature babies can face newborn health risks, long-term disabilities or death” (Teenage Pregnancy). No matter the age of the mother, a premature birth is always very scary. As a teen mom, the stress and anxiety of a premature delivery can be devastating. Teenagers deal with hormonal changes, pressures, stress, and depression on a daily basis. Teen’s are often not equipped with the skills and knowledge to emotionally care for themselves or a helpless baby when things get …show more content…
Because teens have had little “real life” experience, they are often unprepared to care for another human. Babies require constant time, attention, and supervision. Often teen parents do not have the means to provide for the child’s needs. “Babies born to teenagers are at risk for neglect and abuse because their young mothers are uncertain about their roles and may be frustrated by the constant demands of caretaking” (When Children). Neglect is common in situations where poverty, single parenthood, and substance abuse are found. Unfortunately, these factors are also common among young parents. A child that is neglected or abused can suffer from physical injuries, emotional and mental health problems, and can often turn into a violent