Search This Blog

Sunday, June 19, 2011

4 Long-Term Effects of Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy can cause many consequences that can last for a very long time. It can cause mental health issues, it can cause the teenage parents to experience financial difficulties, the child of the teenager could suffer from behavioral problems, and the child may be underdeveloped or suffer from health issues.

Many countries around the world are experiencing the problem of teenage pregnancy. Having a child at an early age inevitably leads to unfavorable and long-term problems which both the parents and their baby have to go through. You should know what the effects are.

It can result in problems related to mental health

Because they are not yet stable enough to go through the responsibility demanded of parenthood, teenage mothers usually suffer extreme pressures, and physical and emotional stress. This puts the young mother at high risk of experiencing mental problems. One of the outcomes of mental health problems that are not handled well is that the mentally-ill person may resort to drug abuse or make poor decisions. Mental health problems can also be a result of social isolation since teenage mothers usually end up with the responsibility of raising their child alone. Feelings of remorse, depression and suicidal tendencies may also be a common experience of teenage mothers who feel a lack of support.

It can lead to long-term financial problems

Teenage parents will most likely suffer many financial problems for a very long time. This is particularly true since teenagers are not yet financially independent to face the monetary obligations of starting their own family or having a child. Aside from taking care of the baby, teenage mothers might have to deal with other responsibilities such as finishing school or trying to keep a job, adding to the strain of the situation. Although a few teenagers have parents who are willing to support them financially, many are less fortunate in that their parents just don’t have enough time or money to help out.

The teenager’s child might have behavioral problems

According to a research from the University of Illinois, children born from teenage pregnancies are prone to developing behavioral problems. Many teenage mothers are immature and lack parenting skills necessary for imposing discipline in their children. Due to lack of proper parental influence, the child has a high chance of becoming maladjusted. An abusive home environment may also result in behavioral issues. Teenage parents usually don’t have the maturity to deal with the pressures they feel and they could end up being abusive in the home. Violence in the home can increase the risk of children having rebellious behavior.

The child may be underdeveloped or suffer from health issues

Many girls who get pregnant at a young age are not able to get adequate care. Failure to receive adequate nutrition or prenatal care may have an adverse effect on the development of the baby’s brain and overall health. Newborns of teenage mothers are more prone to some physical disabilities and respiratory problems.

Pregnancy at a young age can come with many negative effects but the young parents should not feel hopeless. With proper guidance and support, teenage parents may still be able to manage their situation.


No comments:

Post a Comment