Adolescence itself is already a very complicated and turbulent stage to go through and deal with, especially when hormones start to bubble up and no one can hold them back. Therefore, every bit of care, precaution, and guidance is welcome to prevent an unwanted teenage pregnancy.

Teenage pregnancy is considered high-risk up to 21 years of age because a young girl’s body is still maturing and developing up to this period, and when it happens, it can bring many consequences to the lives of the teenagers involved, in addition to impacting their health1.

Nowadays, early pregnancy has been growing at an alarming rate2, even with countless public awareness campaigns in public health networks and schools in general, and with health centers distributing free condoms, and the subject of teenage pregnancy being openly discussed with such clarity.

Parental guidance is essential during this stage; talking openly, without fear or taboos, may be the best way to prevent young people from rushing into adult life and having to face a teenage pregnancy. Putting their dreams on hold to take care of a life they will be responsible for from that moment on.

IMPORTANT: Even if the baby is accepted by the teenage couple and they claim not to regret the pregnancy, teenage pregnancy leads them to miss out on major life opportunities.

Main Risks

Besides the sudden responsibility they will have to take on, teenage pregnancy also brings health risks, such as:

  • Baby with low birth weight
  • Lack of iron and severe anemia
  • High blood pressure

There is also the risk and difficulty during childbirth, because due to an immature bone structure that is not yet fully developed, it may prevent the baby from passing through the vaginal canal, requiring an emergency C-section.

How Is Early Pregnancy Harmful?

In general, the main aspects that are affected in a teenager’s life are schooling, professional prospects, and even social experiences and getting to know new people. When teenage pregnancy happens, some drop out of school, others end up being forced into a more serious relationship due to responsibility, some choose abortion, and in some cases, even abandon the baby.

But in 90% of cases, the grandparents are left to care for and take responsibility for something that is not theirs, while the teenage parents still want to enjoy life and live as if nothing happened.

How to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy?

This is a complicated subject for some parents to talk about, but ideally, all questions should be clarified at home. If you notice your daughter or son is starting to date, is exploring their body, and hormones are running wild, the time has come to sit down and have a good conversation about their sex life.

Discuss how to protect themselves against possible diseases and how to prevent unwanted teenage pregnancy, as well as anything else you find important. Many teenagers, especially girls, end up getting pregnant due to lack of information and often because they have an active sex life hidden from their parents. At school they learn about condoms, contraceptives, but in practice, they still have many questions about how to use them.

Prevention Methods

Here are some important points that should be explained in detail to young people who are already sexually active or will be starting, so they can avoid teenage pregnancy if followed carefully3.

  • Condoms – Must be put on correctly, being careful not to let any air in to prevent breaking or tearing. Should be removed immediately after intercourse and disposed of in the trash. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, condoms also prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

  • Birth control pills – There are several types and brands of contraceptives on the market, and they should be prescribed by a gynecologist after a consultation. One pill should be taken each day at the same time, with no missed doses, and after finishing the pack, there should be a week-long break to allow menstruation.

  • Spermicide – A product sold at pharmacies, used to kill sperm during intercourse. It should be applied before sexual activity and used together with a condom.

Many girls use the rhythm method, withdrawal, or even “douching”, but it is proven that these are not reliable methods and pregnancy can occur if they are used, so such methods should only be used to complement safe methods like those mentioned above.

There is also the morning-after pill, which should be taken carefully and only in cases of extreme emergency, such as when a condom breaks during ejaculation or in very serious situations like rape. The pill must be taken within up to 72 hours, and the sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be.

If the pill is taken twice a month, its effectiveness can decrease, as well as if used frequently, and pregnancy can occur, so this way of use is not recommended. If teenagers are well informed, guided, and aware of the risks, the chance of teenage pregnancy is much lower.

What Should Parents Do?

For mothers of girls, if you feel comfortable, why not visit a gynecologist with your daughter and help her get all her questions answered in a clear and safe way? A good parent-child relationship can prevent major problems, even though the birth of a child is always a blessing. A planned pregnancy, after career fulfillment and financial stability, is and always will be much better.

Readers’ Questions:

How to deal with teenage pregnancy?

The best way to face a teenage pregnancy is to take responsibility and, above all, tell your parents so that prenatal care can start as soon as possible. Every family reacts differently, but proper care during pregnancy is fundamental, so never hide or delay the news.

How do parents cope with teenage pregnancy?

For parents, it really is a very complicated situation, since the dreams and plans for their child are not going according to the “expected script.” Each parent responds to the situation differently. Some may react aggressively, some are left speechless, and others offer immediate support. At first, it’s best not to expect too much because every family will need a little time for the news to really sink in.

What is the age group of highest risk for teenage pregnancy?

Teenage pregnancy is considered to be pregnancies in girls aged 10 to 19. The highest risk is among ages 10 to 14 due to the body not being ready and an immature structure for developing a baby. From 14 to 19, the risks are lower, but this is the age group with the most cases.

See also: Teen Dating – How to Deal with This Phase?

Photo: austintatious, Shawn Latta