Prerequisites of Teenage Pregnancy - Literature review Example

Download file to see previous pages The rates of teenage pregnancy vary between the countries of the world, as well as among areas and groups with those countries because of a number of factors. These include such things as:

• The differences in the levels of sexual activity among young people, which in turn is affected by the social norms of their particular society, which may be in turn be affected by such things as religious ideas and educational levels.
• The general amount and quality of sex education provided.
• The availability of, and access to, affordable and acceptable methods of contraception.

In the United Kingdom, 5% of underage conceptions happen to girls aged under 15 ( Department of Education, 2012). According to Medline (2012) birth in very young mothers carries with it increased risks of low birth weight babies, and prematurity, both linked to the high numbers of teenage mothers who continue to smoke during pregnancy. It can be demonstrated that these low birth weights may also be directly linked to the lack of physical maturity of the mother. This latter fact cannot be altered however good the antenatal care is given, but at least medical staff will be prepared for the possibility and prepared to support a baby with a low birth weight, often born prematurely (Law, 2012). There is also an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (March of Dimes, 2009). According to the Department of Education (2010, section 2.2, page 16), there is a rise in 60% of the chances of infant mortality in the babies of younger mothers as opposed to older ones.

The American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists ( 2004) also point out that, as time goes on, the babies who are born carry an increased risk of neglect and even abuse, because their mothers have not correctly defined their own roles, as well as becomingly increasingly stressed by the demands being forced upon them. Most teenagers enter into parenthood less prepared than they need to be, for the stress and pressures a new baby brings. For this reason, many will experience feelings of frustration, and of resentment, and even anger, toward their babies. For the mothers themselves physically and psychologically, they often receive poor and erratic prenatal care and support, not because it is not available for them in most cases, but because they do not seek it ( American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2004). In extreme cases, these young mothers may even be hiding their pregnancy, in particular from their parents.

They run an increased risk of developing anemia and of high blood pressure complications such as pre-eclampsia, and even of progressing to the possibly fatal complication of eclampsia itself. The younger her age the greater the risk, especially if the mother is under 15. This includes such things as complications in labor and with the delivery. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, which can bring about future sterility, as well as syphilis, which puts the baby at risk, and even HIV, are also a real risk among young people whose sexual relationships may be casual, with several short term partners, one after the other. ...Download file to see next pages Read More