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Teenage Pregnancy


Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Programs that delay attempts at sexual intercourse are the first line of defense. Parents can have open, honest, and educational talks at home. Professionals can help parents obtain educational materials. They can also give advice to teenagers about how to prevent pregnancies.

Prevention may include easy access to birth control. Emergency contraception may be discussed with all sexually active teenagers.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

The long-term effects of teenage pregnancy are far reaching. Single motherhood is associated with the following:

  • additional unwanted pregnancies
  • child behavioral problems
  • continued poverty and welfare dependency
  • depression
  • exposure to domestic violence
  • limited job opportunities
  • low level of education
  • medical problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease
  • social isolation
  • substance abuse
  • It can be overwhelming when an infant is born prematurely. The needs of the infant may be too difficult for the teen to deal with.

    What are the risks to others?

    Infants born to teenage mothers are at higher risk of the following:

  • accidental injury and poisoning
  • behavior problems
  • complications of prematurity
  • developmental delays and learning disabilities
  • exposure to domestic violence
  • lack of immunization or vaccinations
  • minor acute infections
  • poverty
  • premature birth
  • sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS

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