Sexual Health

Adolescent Pregnancy - Signs, Effects, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Adolescent pregnancy is widespread, with many causes and negative effects on a person's health, society, and economy. The adolescent birth rate (ABR) has declined globally, albeit at varying rates in different geographic areas. Pregnancy among teenagers is more common among people with less education or lower socioeconomic level. 

Girls have a higher risk of becoming pregnant, often unintentionally, as a result of child marriage and child sexual abuse. Adolescents are frequently unable to use or access contraceptives, making it difficult to avoid unintended pregnancy.

Access to high-quality maternal care for adolescents who are pregnant and parenting is gaining more attention. WHO collaborates with partners to promote awareness of adolescent pregnancy, create an evidence base for action, develop tools to support policies and programs, build capacity, and assist countries in effectively addressing adolescent pregnancy.

What are the signs of pregnancy?

Most likely, the first sign that you are pregnant is a missed menstruation. Therefore, don't rule out being pregnant if you experience very light menstruation at the expected time. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, there is a chance of little bleeding. 

Pregnancy signs include: 

• missing period 

• breast sensitivity 

• nausea, frequently in the morning,

• vomiting

• dizziness

•  weight gain, and abdominal swelling

How does teenage pregnancy affect teen mothers?

Preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure associated with pregnancy, and its complications are more common in teenagers than in moms of average age. Low birth weight and early birth are risks for the baby. Preeclampsia can cause renal damage or be deadly to the mother or the unborn child. 

Teenagers who are pregnant are also more likely to develop anemia. A decrease in the quantity of red blood cells is known as anemia (RBCs). This may make you feel weak and exhausted and impact your child's growth. 

How does adolescent pregnancy affect babies?

A 40-week pregnancy is considered healthy. A child born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is 

premature. These children usually don't fully develop their bodies and minds. Depending on how early the pregnancy is, this may result in developmental and health issues that last a lifetime. 

Babies born prematurely have low weights. Infants underweight may have difficulties breathing and feeding, and those underweight grow up more vulnerable to conditions like diabetes and heart disease. 

Brain development is also impacted by low birth weight. There is evidence that babies who were born underweight struggle in school. Teenage women are likelier to have underweight babies and newborns who die as infants.

Can a teenager give birth to a healthy child?

Babies born to teen mothers can be healthy. Ensure you see your doctor when you discover you're pregnant and attend all your planned appointments. The health of both the mother and the unborn child are greatly impacted by receiving proper obstetrical care during your pregnancy. Eat well, exercise, and confide in loved ones who will be understanding. It has been demonstrated that smoking during pregnancy reduces birth weight and results in premature birth. Smoking is not advised while pregnant. 

Drugs and alcohol can harm a mother and the unborn child. Avoid consuming alcohol and using illegal drugs while pregnant. Take the medications your doctor has prescribed only. Make sure your doctor is aware of all OTC medications you are taking.

Long-term outcomes of adolescent pregnancy 

Adolescent pregnancy contributes to the financial drawback and health inequities that a mother and her child will experience throughout their lives. Teenage moms are more likely to have inadequate social support, low educational attainment, lower employment possibilities, poorer mental health, and higher rates of substance use than women who become pregnant during adulthood. Many studies demonstrate a link between teenage parenthood and anxiety and depression. These elements may hurt a parent's parenting skills and influence the behavior of their offspring.

How to prevent adolescent pregnancy?

Preventing adolescent pregnancy takes extensive efforts from the community, health services, and schools. In particular, combining contraceptive interventions and sex education is beneficial in lowering unplanned teen pregnancies. Teenagers, however, usually use condoms and contraceptive pills inconsistently, which results in an unintended pregnancy; hence, they may benefit from using LARC techniques.

What are the effects of adolescent pregnancy?

The maternal and infant mortality rate is still significantly influenced by adolescent pregnancy. The main cause of death for girls between the ages of 15 and 19 worldwide is complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Due to their undeveloped bodies, pregnant girls and teenagers face additional health risks and issues. Infants born to younger mothers are likewise more vulnerable. Many adolescent girls and boys do not plan or desire to become pregnant or have children. Teenagers frequently turn to unsafe abortion in either outlawed or severely regulated countries, endangering their health and lives. 

Teenage pregnancies can harm girls, their families, and communities in negative social and economical ways. Unmarried teenage mothers may experience bullying or rejection from their parents and classmates and threats of physical harm. Violence within a marriage or partnership is also more likely for girls who become pregnant before age 18.

Takeaway

Although teens can deliver healthy babies without incident, there may be risks to the mother's and the child's health. If you get pregnant, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately to discuss the pregnancy. 

IUDs, birth control tablets, and condoms are just a few of the ways that can be used to help prevent pregnancy. A lot of organizations also provide teen support or counseling services. Moreover, search for local groups in your state or city.