Aside from the initial forays into drinking and smoking, many teenagers also explore the “adult world” by getting into a romantic relationship. Having an intimate and romantic relationship among young people is very common even if it is prohibited by their parents. Naturally, teenagers rebel and some even engage in pre-marital sex not thinking of the consequences of such actions. This is especially true among teen-age girls. Unfortunately, these girls will also be the ones who will have to face the problem of early pregnancy, a dilemma that would have long-term consequences.
Teen pregnancy is one of the most difficult experiences a young person could ever face. It can interrupt school or other plans in their young lives. It can create an emotional crisis resulting in feelings of depression, shame, and fear. The stress of how a teenager breaks the news to her parents might be even greater, and finding help may seem an impossible task.
Some pregnant teenagers are so shocked and frightened that they try to cope by ignoring or denying the pregnancy. A pregnant teener might even think no one can help her, she might be too embarrassed to search for help. However, denying the pregnancy or ignoring it can only make things worse for the teen ager and the baby. Denial will not take the pregnancy away, instead, the teenager will lose the time she could have invested in prenatal care and counseling.
Research shows that sex education and access to effective contraception are essential in preventing unplanned pregnancy in the teenage population. Some teenage pregnancies occur as a result of young women's sexual inexperience and an inadequate understanding of their reproductive cycle. Research suggests that knowledge about reproductive matters and access to contraception are necessary to prevent unintended adolescent pregnancy.
Teenagers, as a group, have significantly higher complication rates both during pregnancy and delivery. Reasons for the higher complication rate include physical immaturity, lack of health care knowledge, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, illegal drugs, poor diet, inadequate antenatal care. Teenage mothers have a higher risk of postnatal depression than older women.
Moreover, research have shown that the number of births to teenagers has decreased considerably over the last few decades. This decrease is most likely due to the increased availability of contraception and abortion, rather than a decrease in sexual activity. There has also been a dramatic fall in the number of teenagers choosing adoption. Changes in social attitudes towards single parents and illegitimacy and the availability of social support groups have made parenting a more viable option.
Pregnancy counseling is generally available in school, church or the community. Ideally, counseling should support the young woman in making a free and fully informed decision about her options, and give information on abortion, adoption and parenting. Many teenagers feel uncomfortable or unable to talk with family, so professional counseling offers a valuable and much-needed resource.
Teenagers now have a lot of options and making a choice can be a bit difficult. But carefully checking one's resources and giving oneself the opportunity to make the best informed decision should be available to each and every teenager.