Teenage pregnancy is a major social issue that is alarming not only to the individuals involved, but to society as a whole. A teenage pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy in which the mother is 19 years of age or younger. In developed countries, the majority of teenage pregnancies are unplanned and often result in negative outcomes for both the mother and child. These pregnancies are associated with increased rates of poverty, poor educational outcomes, and poor health outcomes. In addition, teenage pregnancy often carries a social stigma that can further compound the negative effects of the pregnancy.
The reasons for teenage pregnancies vary depending on a plethora of causes. In many ethnic groups and societies, teenage pregnancies are actually celebrated as they give enough proof of the girl’s fertility and capability of bearing children. However, in most developed nations, such pregnancies are looked down upon as a social stigma.
No matter how others might react to a teenager becoming pregnant, this event can be dangerous for both the mother and child. The teenager’s body is usually not fully developed, and the reproductive system is just starting to function properly. Bearing a child to term and giving birth can be mentally and physically stressful for them. This can lead to long-term health problems for both the mother and child.
Why do teenage pregnancies occur?
There are many reasons teenage pregnancies occur today. Some common reasons include:
Consequence of raging hormones!
Most teenagers experience sudden and hitherto unknown emotions and feelings during their early puberty. They feel a natural sense of rebelling against the set norms as well. As teenagers enter their adolescent years, they often experience newfound freedom and sexual desires, leading many of them to express and explore their sexuality through sexual encounters and experiences. However, due to a lack of proper sex education, some teenagers involve themselves in unsafe sex, which could lead to unwanted pregnancies.
Pressure from the peer group
A lot of teenagers engage in early sexual behavior as a result of peer pressure. In societies where promiscuity is common, teenagers often start dating far earlier than those in more conventional setups. Teenagers want their friends to like them, and they believe having a partner or engaging in sexual activities can help them be popular and accepted among their peers. This kind of rash behavior can lead to STDs, unwanted pregnancies, and a host of other problems.
Contraceptive failure
The high rate of teenage pregnancy is often attributed to a lack of sexual education and access to contraception. However, even when teenagers do have access to contraception, it is not always 100% effective. This is because no form of birth control is completely foolproof. Sometimes, not knowing how to use a contraceptive properly can lead to unwanted teenage pregnancy.
Giving sex education to your teenager and showing them the consequences of promiscuous behavior can help prevent teenage pregnancy. A loving and balanced home atmosphere is a good way to start. The school and the government should also provide sex education and take stern measures to prevent teenage pregnancy.
