Question

What is the conclusion and recommendations for teenage pregnancy on the health of the baby?

Answer 1

Teenage pregnancy is when pregnancy happens fro a female below the age of 20,after she had her first menstrual period.Teenage pregnancy is considered as a public health issue of increasing importance as this happens in adolascence where the individual undergoes physical,physiological,emotional and social changes in herself.  Individual, cultural, social, traditional or religious factors play a great role in teenage pregnancies which are among risky pregnancies.There is a higher prevalence of health risks associated with teenage pregnancies which include premature delivery,low birth weight,congenital anomalies,baby negligence and abuse etc.As a result teenage pregnancies have a negative impact on the health of the baby.Teenage mothers also develop more complications like pre eclampsia and complicated labour etc.

Preterm birth.

Preterm is defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and asphyxia are higher among the newborns of adolescent mothers, all of which increase the risks of death and of future health problems for the baby. Preterm birth is another important perinatal challenge faced in clinical practice. Several studies have explored long-term health outcomes for premature infants, including chronic lung disease, visual and hearing problems and neurodevelopment delays.

Low birth weight

Low Birth Weight is characterized by the fetus below 2500 grams, and very low birth weight is the birth weight of the fetus below 1500 gram. Low birth weight is closely associated with fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, inhibited growth and cognitive development, and chronic diseases later in life.

Congenital abnormalities

The rates of congenital abnormalities in adolescent deliveries are relatively high than in adult pregnancies.In adolescent deliveries, cardiovascular and central nervous system abnormalities are most widely seen among the major congenital abnormalities.

Neonatal complications and infant deaths.

Meconium aspiration,cordon presentation,respiratory distress , Rh isoimmunization, infection and postpartum traumatic stress are among the common neonatal complications in teenage deliveries.

Problems in the mother-baby bonding process

Bonding, which develops in three periods; pregnancy, labor and after the birth, is a mutual emotional relationship . It deeply affects the physical, psychological and intellectual development of the child and retains its effect whole life. Parents have to play a key role in order to maintain a healthy process . Motherhood in teenage is accepted as a risk factor for an adequate relationship between mother and infant and for the subsequent development of the infant .The mother-child bonding is deteriorated in the first years of the child's life, especially because the mother is still immature and is undergoing a period of development. It is found out that adolescent mothers, compared to adults, have a lower tendency to touch, call, smile at and accept their babies.

Duration and success of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding practices among adolescent mothers is a biopsychological process which includes negative and positive factors along with the importance of social support in the intention of breastfeeding, starting and continuing of breastfeeding. Despite substantial evidence of maternal and infant benefits of breastfeeding, teenage mothers initiate breastfeeding less often and maintain breastfeeding for shorter durations when compared to their adult counterparts.

Infant abuse and negligence.

Infants of adolescent mothers as a result of unplanned pregnancies may face various problems They are at risk of abuse, neglect, and school failure and are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later on. Adolescent mothers may not possess the same level of maternal skills as adults do.

Teens who become pregnant may be afraid to seek medical help but it’s extremely important for the safety of the mother and the unborn child.

All options regarding regarding  pregnancy should be thoroughly discussed before reaching a decision about the pregnancy, including:

• abortion, or ending the pregnancy medically
• adoption, or giving birth and legally permitting someone else to raise the child
• giving birth and raising the child by self

Ideally, the future father and family members of both mother and father will be involved in making the best decisions. However, this isn’t always possible.

Birth control clinics and public health offices can provide counseling information to help make the right choices for mother and the baby.

As for avoiding an always unwanted teenage pregnancy,birth control measures like IUDs,pills,birth control implants are available.other common ways include condoms,diaphragms, birth control sponges etc.

Teenage mothers can concieve healthy babies too if proper guidance and medical help is available.Support of the partner and family plays an important role in this.

Proper obstetrical care throughout pregnancy is important to the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Teen mothers should eat well, exercise, and confide in supportive friends and family members.

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been shown to lower birth weight and cause babies to be born prematurely. Drugs and alcohol too can have very damaging effects on a mother and her unborn child and must be avoided.

Regular prenatal clinic visits,proper follow up,seeking guidance and councelling are the keys in carrying on with a healthy pregnancy.