Teenage pregnancy – what is it?

Teen pregnancy is a pregnancy occurring in a young girl between the ages of 13 and 19.

According to the Health Ministry statistics released in April 2011, almost 5 thousand schoolgirls in Johannesburg became pregnant between the ages of 12 and 19 in just one school year. Furthermore, over 100 primary school girls also became pregnant in the same period. Most come from poverty stricken homes and according to the report these teenagers were influenced by their peers.

In 2006, there were 66 000 teenage girls that reported pregnancy as the main reason for not attending an educational institution. This rose to 86 000 in 2008, but dropping to 71 000 in 2009. In 2006, 11,8% of teenage girls that were not in an educational institution reported pregnancy as the main reason, rising to 17,4% in 2008 and declining to 13,9% in 2009.

These statistics are quite shocking. What are your thoughts on this matter; express them by responding to the following questions.

1.Why do you think teenagers have sex? What are some reasons they don't use contraception?

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2. Society sends mixed messages about sex. How do the media and the

entertainment industry influence teenagers’decisions about sex?

Causes of teenage pregnancy

Ø Lack of education in sex and relationships

Parents don't talk to their children about pregnancy and other aspects such as HIV/AIDS. Teenage girls don't know how to use contraceptives such as condoms, pills and intra-uterine loops. Some of them even ignore them totally at great risk to their medical and emotional health.

Ø Abuse

Women exposed to abuse, domestic violence and family strife in childhood are more likely to become pregnant as teenagers and the risk of becoming pregnant as a teenager increases with the number of adverse childhood experiences.

Ø Rape

Studies have found that between 11 and 20 percent of pregnancies in teenagers are a direct result of rape, while about 60 percent of teenage mothers had unwanted sexual experiences preceding their pregnancy. Before age 15, a majority of first-intercourse experiences among females are reported to be non-voluntary;

Ø Age Gap

Teenage girls in relationships with older boys and in particular with adult men, are more likely to become pregnant than teenage girls in relationships with boys their own age. They are also more likely to carry the baby to term rather than have an abortion.

Ø Absent father

Studies have found that girls whose fathers left the family early in their lives had the highest rates of early sexual activity and adolescent pregnancy. Girls whose fathers left them at a later age had a lower rate of early sexual activity and the lowest rates are found in girls whose fathers were present throughout their childhood.

Ø Boys from abusive homes

Studies have also found that boys raised in homes with a battered mother, or who experienced physical violence directly, were significantly more likely to impregnate a girl.

Ø Mothers & sisters

A girl is also more likely to become a teenage parent if her mother or older sister gave birth in her teens.

Ø Alcohol & drug abuse

The in-take of drugs and alcohol contributes a lot to teenage pregnancy, a teenager may not be ready for sexual intercourse but being intoxicated with drugs and alcohol makes one to be involved in unintended sexual activity just because sex at that time is less emotionally painful and embarrassing.

Ø Peer Pressure

Some teenagers engage in premature sex just because their friends are doing it, so they want to have that sense of belonging.

Now that you know the causes of teenage pregnancy, do an introspection. How do you, as an individual, feel about teenage pregnancy?

1. At what age range do you think it is best to consider having children?

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2. Name two ways of not getting pregnant/getting someone pregnant?

3. Would you like to go through pregnancy yourself? Why/why not?

4. Would you consider an abortion? Why? Why not?

5. Do you think that people understand enough about pregnancy and having children before getting pregnant?

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6. How would you respond to your situation if you found that you were pregnant now?

Pregnancy symptoms include:

· Abdominal swelling

· Breast enlargement and breast tenderness

· Fatigue

· Light-headedness or actual fainting

· Missed period

· Nausea/vomiting

· Weight gain or loss especially if nausea and vomiting are significant

· Frequent urination

If/when you observe any of these symptoms it is of utmost importance that you get tested.

· A pregnancy test of urine (Home-based pregnancy tests are available at pharmacies or supermarkets)

· A pregnancy ultrasound may be done to confirm or check accurate dates for pregnancy.

Myths about teenage pregnancy

Many teenagers think that they know how to protect themselves from pregnancy. However, what they know might actually be some of the many myths that surround teenage pregnancy.

Sexual Experience

o Many people might say that they have had sex, but could be lying or exaggerating.

"The First Time"

o Some teens think that pregnancy cannot happen the first time they have sex. The reality is that pregnancy can happen during any time.

Menstruation

o Once inside the vagina, sperm can stay alive for about seven days. So, a girl who has sex while on her period could be ovulating just a couple of days later, which means she could indeed get pregnant during menstruation.

Soda drinks

o Some teenage boys have been under the impression that if they drink soda drinks, their sperm count will be lowered and they cannot get a girl pregnant. The truth is that no amount of soda will lower sperm count.

Condoms

o Teens who think they can re-use condoms are very much mistaken. Not only is this completely untrue, but it is also completely unsanitary.

Group discussion (10 minutes)

Do you know other myths about teenage pregnancy? Discuss them with your group. (10 minutes)

Effects of teenage pregnancy

Getting pregnant during the teen years has long-term health, social, financial, emotional and consequences for both the teenagers and the babies.

Health effects of teen pregnancy

Both teen mothers and their babies are at an increased risk of suffering from medical problems. Teen mothers are more likely to give birth to premature babies. Babies that are born early often suffer from respiratory problems and in some cases, mental retardation and other long-term disabilities or death. Low birth weight babies can also suffer from bleeding in the brain and vision loss. Teen moms are also more likely to suffer with pregnancy-induced hypertension and diabetes

Social effects of teen pregnancy

In addition to increased health risks, there are many social hardships faced by pregnant teens. Pregnant teens may fear their parents' reactions and/or feel alienated from their friends. Many of them feel resentful or sad watching their friends shop for parties while they shop for baby clothes. It is often difficult for teenage parents to let go of their pre-pregnancy lives and adjust to their new lives as parents. Many teen parents find themselves vulnerable to the social stigma that surrounds pregnant teens and babies conceived out of wedlock.

Financial effects of teen pregnancy

Teenage parents often experience a great deal of economic difficulty. Teen mothers are often forced to drop out of high school and some of them never go back to school after delivery. It is very difficult for teen parents to support themselves and their baby. With their education cut short, teen parents often have trouble finding and holding a decent job. Their lack of education reduces their earning ability, which severely limits their opportunities to build a future for themselves and their child. Over 80 percent of teenage parents find themselves relying on social grants. The limited income of the parents may result in the baby not receiving proper nutrition and care.

Emotional effects of teen pregnancy

There are various emotional effects of teenage pregnancy. Other teenagers become excited about what the baby will look like and whether it will be a boy or girl. Others become confused and not know what to do because it was an unplanned pregnancy. Many pregnant teenagers are scared of telling their parents, partners and friends and wonder how they are going to react. They ask themselves several questions like, “How should I tell my parents?”, “How will I face my classmates?” They worry about the reactions of their parents and friends and this results in girls feeling lonely, depressed, scared and may also feel resentment towards their partners for doing this to them. A lot of young women who are pregnant have a lot of fear that they can't be the mothers they want to be. They also feel frustrated that they will not be able to do the things that the rest of their peers are doing.

Child Behavioural Problems

Some teen mothers struggle to raise their children because they lack parenting skills and the maturity to discipline and teach them properly. Teen parents may feel very alone and depressed by the overwhelming burden of caring for a child. Teen mothers and fathers may not be able to cope with frustration and this result in a cycle of abuse. Children who are exposed to violence may act out more often.

How to avoid teenage pregnancy

When teens become pregnant, it can result in family discord, financial hardship, lower educational goals or abortion. Therefore, an ounce of prevention is truly valuable

· Abstinence

Abstain from sexual activity until you are emotionally and financially ready to care for a child. Once one becomes a teenage mother, their entire life revolves around that child. All the plans for trips, friends, university and recreation are on the back burner.

v Knowledge-based programmes

Attend programmes that focus on teaching adolescents about their bodies and their normal functions, as well as provide detailed information about contraceptives and preventing STDs. If you are already sexually active ensure that you use condoms, not only do they reduce the risk of pregnancy, they also offer protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).

v Peer counselling programmes

Peer counselling programmes involve older teens, who encourage other adolescents to resist peer and social pressures to become sexually involved. For teenagers who are already sexually active, peer counselling programmes also provide negotiation skills for relationships and the information they need to get and successfully use contraceptives.

v Simulation / baby think it over classes

Take a "Baby think it over" class to get a better understanding of the demand having a child puts on one’s life. “Baby think it over” is a simulated infant with computerized actions and responses. It will wake you every 2 hours for feedings and it will cry if left alone for too long. This programme is available in the shops that sell baby stuff.

v Set goals for yourself

Sit down and think about what you want out of life. Many teens live for the moment and in doing so, become parents long before they are ready. When you're a teenager, you have your whole life ahead of you; consider your options and the risks before you make the choice to become sexually active.

Group discussion (20 minutes)

Consider how being pregnant would affect one’s daily routines. Highlight the activities in a typical day that would be impossible or would dramatically change if you were pregnant or made a girl pregnant. Share your thoughts with the class.

Teenage Pregnancy is to be avoided at all cost but should you find yourself pregnant or suspecting that you are pregnant what should you do?

If you suspect you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test. Don't put it off, because knowing you're pregnant is vital to your health and gives you the most options if you're not sure you want to be a parent.

Tell a close friend, family member, baby’s father, school counselor or other trusted individual about your pregnancy. Choose a relaxed environment that is free of distractions. Give the father time to process the information before asking him how he feels about his parental responsibilities and your decision regarding the pregnancy. Do not let him pressure you into making a decision immediately.

Think carefully about the situation; consider your feelings, values and fears about parenting, adoption or termination of pregnancy. Get advice. If you're afraid of having a baby, consult an elder, nurse, doctor or midwife. Ask them what to expect.

Once you have made your decision discuss it with your parents or a friend to make logistical arrangements. If you choose to carry the baby to term, think about prenatal care

If possible join a teen mothers’ support group and make social connections with people in your group. These people share some of your fears and anxiety about teen pregnancy, so they can be a valuable resource.

NB: The most important thing is to make sure you return to school after giving birth to the child, even if it can be a year later.

Read Lungisa’s story and then answer the questions below:

1. Refer back to the causes of teenage pregnancy and see if you can identify the cause of pregnancy in this instance.

2. Is there a way in which Lungisa could have avoided falling pregnant at the age of 15? Yes or No, motivate?

3. How has falling pregnant at the age of 15 affected Lungisa’s life?

4. What can she do to change her circumstance?

5. Lesson learnt from this case study?

DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE. HELP IS AVAILABLE

v Pregnancy Crisis Personal Telephonic Counselling

011 646 5641

v Teenage Pregnancy Guidance & Support

012 343 6401

v Emergency Contraception Hotline

0800 246 432

v Crisis Pregnancy & Pregnancy Loss Care Centre

084 740 5418

v Marie Stopes Family Planning Services

0800 117 785/ 011 838 3271

v LoveLife

0800 121 900

The best solution, however, is to:

ü Wait until you are matured enough, have a career and are emotionally ready to have a child.

Call the BHP Billiton Career Centre on 011 639 - 8400 for more information on this and other topics. Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Corner of Mirriam Makeba and President Streets, Newtown Fax 011 832 3360 Email: myfuture@sci-bono.co.za

Health Article

Minggu, 31 Agustus 2014

Teenage pregnancy