TEENAGE PREGNANCY

The Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on the Health Care System

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of Teenage Pregnancy in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on Teenage Pregnancy and its effect on the Healthcare System. The research also analyzes many aspects of Teenage Pregnancy and tries to gauge its effect on the Healthcare System.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Description and Analysis4

Impact on the Healthcare5

Rates and Trends of Teen Pregnancy6

Perceptions of Teen Motherhood7

Prevention and Education8

Consequences for Pregnancy or Loss8

Solutions9

Conclusion10

References12

The Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on the Health Care System

Introduction

Parenthood is something that women and men are expected and encouraged to be a part of, but for most societies, only within the social, economic, and sexual circumstances considered appropriate for those societies. Many view teenage motherhood as inappropriate. Although in reality, the label of teenage pregnancy and motherhood is accurate for any female who is pregnant or becomes a mother before the age of 20, teenage pregnancy is more commonly used to refer to 13-17-year olds—i.e., to girls rather than adults.

Teenage pregnancy and parenthood in developed countries is often seen as a barrier to full participation in society, as well as both a cause and a consequence of social exclusion and disadvantage. Consequently, there are governmental strategies and a plethora of research aimed at determining the cause and limiting the number of teenage pregnancies.Pregnant teenagers face many of the same obstetrics issues as older women, but there are sometimes additional medical and social concerns for younger mothers, particularly those under 16 and those living in developing countries.

Description and Analysis

Adolescent pregnancy in the United States is a complex issue affecting youth, families, health care professionals, and the general population. Although currently on the decline in the United States, rates are estimated to still be at least twice that observed in Europe and Canada. For a teen, pregnancy occurs when her physical development and developmental tasks of adolescence are not complete. As a result of this immaturity and often coexistent social disadvantages, teen parents are likely to face multiple barriers related to pregnancy and child rearing. The entry focuses on the various factors associated with teen pregnancy, especially the care of the teen mother and her child (Daguerre, 2006).

Also referred to as adolescent pregnancy, teen pregnancy is generally defined as a teen woman conceiving before the age of 20. The bulk of research looking at rates of teen pregnancy examines information from the 20th century forward, and although cross-national comparisons remain difficult to make, national data are often separated between “developed” and “developing” countries. Additional variables included, if available, are race and ethnicity, educational level of the pregnant teen, economic level of the pregnant teen, her living situation (e.g., living with the child's biological father and/or her biological parent or parents), access to sex education and contraception, and access to healthcare and sources of nutrition. Two major concerns stand out in the research: teen pregnancy as a social problem and the health of pregnant adolescents and their ...