Teenage pregnancy has many risks

TEENAGE pregnancy is pregnancy in a woman 19-years of age or younger.
While the number of teenage pregnancies in Papua New Guinea is on the rise and remains higher than in other developing countries.
Teens are at a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and its complications than average age mothers.
Risks for the baby include premature birth and low birth weight. Preeclampsia can harm the kidneys or even be fatal for mother or baby.
Pregnant teens have a higher chance of becoming anemic.
Anemia is a reduction in the number of red blood cells.
This can make you feel weak and tired and can affect your baby’s development. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), complications during pregnancy or childbirth are the leading cause of death globally for girls ages 15 to 19.
These birth complications have already affected great numbers of female population in PNG.
If you get pregnant as a teen, you might feel frightened and worried about telling your family and friends.
Not talking to someone and not getting the help and support you need.
Can make you feel more isolated and depressed.
This can lead to problems in home and at school.
Many pregnant teens drop out of school, and some never complete their education. That means a lot of mothers who get pregnant as teenagers live in poverty.
Women who first got pregnant as teens are more likely to have more than one child.
A woman with little education and multiple children to care for will find it very difficult to earn a living.
How does teenage pregnancy affect babies? A healthy pregnancy lasts 40 weeks.
A baby that’s delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy is premature.
Teen mothers are more likely to give birth to premature babies.
Sometimes, these babies lack complete development in their bodies and brains.
Depending on how premature the baby is, this can lead to lifelong difficulties with health and development.
In addition to having an increased risk of being underweight, infants born to teenage mothers are at a higher risk of infant mortality.
How does teenage pregnancy affect teen fathers?
Fathering a child as a teenager can be a frightening and life-changing event.
Teen fathers don’t have to worry about the health implications of pregnancy and childbirth, but they could face similar difficulties staying in school and earning a living.
Teens who become pregnant may be afraid to see a doctor, but it’s extremely important for the safety of the mother and the unborn child.
Proper obstetrical care throughout your pregnancy is so important to the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Eat well, exercise, and confide in supportive friends and family members.
It’s important for all pregnant women to get proper medical care regardless of how old they are.
But because teens’ bodies are still developing, seeing a doctor regularly is especially important for teen mothers.
Otherwise, it is advisable to avoid teenage pregnancies for your well-being.

Misack Ruri,
University of Papua New Guinea