Pregnancy in women under 19 is known as teenage pregnancy, but it usually refers to those between ages 15 and 19. Any woman can get pregnant after having intercourse with a man if she has had her first menstrual cycle. That can be difficult for young mothers and their families due to many lifestyle changes. Although bringing a new life into the world is usually an exciting event, teenage pregnancy is a bit different because it comes with many complications, from gestational symptoms to postpartum depression. Therefore, pregnant teen mothers and their family members need to be educated and equipped with the appropriate resources and support to get through those tough times.
Prenatal care is vital for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and her future child. A healthy routine and monitoring during the gestational period can prevent and help with potential issues, such as premature delivery, low birth weight, and many others. At University Park OBGYN, we understand pregnant teenage girls’ particular needs and concerns. Our experienced gynecologist in Sarasota, FL, gladly provides comprehensive prenatal care to support all young women through their pregnancies. There is no need to worry when you are in the safe hands of our caring staff. In this blog, we will discuss all the possible pregnancy complications that might occur and the best approach to handle them.
Understanding Teenage Pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy has been a topic of concern for many years due to the many intricacies it comes with; teens can be faced not only with physical and emotional challenges but social ones too. Although the rates have declined in the previous decades due to birth control and better education, the United States still has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates out of all developed countries. Namely, according to experts, almost 200,000 girls under the age of 19 give birth every year.
Various factors contribute to these high rates; lack of extensive sex education in schools, restricted access to birth control, and different social or economic challenges. In addition, many young girls don’t have the appropriate support system from their families or partners, which can contribute to unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. That is why teens, their family members, and future fathers need to understand all the challenges of teenage pregnancy.
By understanding all the factors that can lead up to gestation and providing teenage girls with the resources and educational content they need, we can help reduce teen pregnancy rates and help those young women who are expecting soon.
Symptoms
Like adult pregnancy, teen pregnancy has many physical and emotional signs. You will likely assume you are pregnant if you have missed a period or two. However, even if you had a lighter flow than usual, it is still not safe to think that you aren’t pregnant since it’s possible to have a period in the first few weeks after getting pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test is usually the most accurate way of finding out. Common symptoms of teenage pregnancy include:
- Missed or lighter period
- Swollen and painful breasts
- Nausea and vomiting, especially after waking up
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Swollen abdomen
In addition to these physical signs, it is common for future mothers to experience emotional symptoms, such as moodiness, anxiety, and stress. These can even be worsened by the societal stereotypes that often accompany teenage pregnancy. Younger moms need to be aware of these symptoms and be ready to discuss them with a healthcare provider. Seeking early prenatal care is always better for both the mother and her developing baby.
Complications
Teenage pregnancy comes with a range of difficulties, especially for those teen mothers who are not qualified enough to handle the demands of child delivery. One of the most common complications is premature labor; pregnant women under the age of 19 have a higher risk of delivering babies before the 37th week of gestation, which can result in low birth weight, developmental issues, and many other health issues for the infant.
Additionally, younger mothers have a higher chance of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, postpartum depression, and different types of infections. All of these pregnancy complications can pose serious risks to both the mother and her child. Such issues demand constant monitoring and additional medical support. Therefore, teens need to be mindful of these problems and seek regular prenatal care to have a healthy, happy pregnancy and prevent potential issues.
Options for Pregnant Teenage Girls
If you are a teenager and think you are pregnant, it might be scary to confess that to someone. However, it is imperative to do it so you can explore all the possibilities. The best one will depend on a variety of individual factors. Young pregnant women have three options to choose from: parenting, adoption, and abortion.
- Parenting: For some teenage mothers, the choice to keep their newborn is an obvious one. Being a parent and raising a child is rewarding, but this comes with many challenges and lifestyle changes. As a teen, it may be difficult for you to balance the responsibilities of motherhood with education or work. Emotional and financial factors also play a significant role, so make sure you’re aware of this before making a decision.
- Adoption: This is another option for pregnant teenagers. A teen mother places her baby for adoption after delivery. Another family will get the newborn and raise it as their child. Adoption can be a great option for those who think they won’t be able to provide for their baby or just aren’t ready to be a parent.
- Abortion: Although it comes with potential risks, sometimes it is the best choice.
Regardless of their choice, teens should always be informed about all options and consult their families and partners to make the right decision. By working with a healthcare provider, young women can receive the necessary support and guidance to make the best judgment for themselves and their families.
Best Approach for Teenage Pregnancy
Healthcare providers are crucial when it comes to addressing teenage pregnancy and supporting expectant mothers. The best approach combines prenatal care, education, and support. Gynecologists can help by providing adolescents with the information and resources to make the right decisions about their pregnancy and parenting options. Also, they can offer emotional support and connect these young women with community resources, like parenting classes in the area and different support groups. All of these can provide a strong foundation for their newborn babies.
The Bottom Line
Teenage pregnancy can have numerous complications, such as premature labor and postpartum depression. Fortunately, with the right support system and approach, adolescent girls can go through the gestational period with successful pregnancies and healthy infants.
As mentioned above, finding a trusted healthcare provider to confide in is crucial, as they play a key role in ensuring positive outcomes for the expectant mother and her child. It is also essential for teens to have unbiased information about their options and the needed support system so they can choose the right one for themselves and their families. Here at University Park OBGYN, we strive to ensure that every young woman has a positive and healthy experience during this critical time.
