As the youth of America's interest in the reality show "Teen Mom" rises, so does the teen pregnancy rate. The show portrays the happily ever after of pregnant high school couples. This has teen girls wanting to follow in their footsteps. They see it as an opportunity to be on t.v., keep their boyfriends and fill a void in their lives. As they plot out their fairy tale dream, they do not stop to think about the risks that lay ahead.
One subject you rarely hear addressed on these reality teen shows is the health risks brought on by teen pregnancy. How does growing a human life inside a body that is still growing itself effect a young lady? We all know teen life is full of late nights, stress, non-nutritional foods, and hormone imbalances. Throw the turbulence of teen pregnancy into that and the risks sky rocket!
The first signs of pregnancy often go unnoticed in teen girls. They do not usually keep regular track of their periods, so they do not realize when they have missed one. Teens are often run down and tired, so fatigue is no red flag. They are always on an emotional roller coaster so mood swings are a normal daily occurrence. Teens are usually in denial and have a feeling of invincibility, so unless their pregnancy is expected, it will go undetected. Morning sickness will often be the first noticeable sign of trouble.
The lack of prenatal care is the is the #1 cause for health problems in pregnant teens. Once they know they are pregnant, they often don't tell their parents right away. The first few months of prenatal care are critical. Many teens do not see a doctor until these months have passed. Medical problems and complications can go undetected. They are also missing the benefits of prenatal vitamins. These, combined with folic acid, are key in helping prevent certain birth defects.
Pregnant teens are at higher risk for pregnancy induced hypertension. Preeclampsia can combine with dangerously high blood pressure,causing the mothers hands, feet and face to swell. This can cause organ damage and premature birth. The only cure for preeclampsia is delivering the baby, no matter what stage the pregnancy is in.
STD's are another medical concern among all teens, but have an increased risk in ones who are pregnant and their babies. The importance of condom use critically increases during pregnancy. STD's can rise through the cervix and infect the uterus and the growing baby inside it.
Teenage pregnancy also can cause anemia in the still growing body of a young lady. Anemia is fatigue brought on by a low red blood count. Pregnant teens need to be sure to eat adequate protein and take iron supplements if needed. They will be tested for anemia at their prenatal visits.
Placenta previa is a major risk for pregnant teens. This is a complication that occurs when the placenta grows on the opening of the cervix. The cervix is the area where the baby exits the womb during delivery. If this area is blocked, bleeding can occur, making it necessary to have an emergency c-section.
Babies having babies is something we will always see. Teaching our children about safe sex and self respect are our weapons against teen pregnancy. We need to have open communication and trusting relationships with our children. There will always be pregnant teens, so we as a society need to make sure the resources are available for them to seek prenatal care in the early stages of their pregnancy, to help ensure both children are healthy.
For information on Family Health and nutrition topics visit http://myfamilyplate.com
By Angie Valentine
One subject you rarely hear addressed on these reality teen shows is the health risks brought on by teen pregnancy. How does growing a human life inside a body that is still growing itself effect a young lady? We all know teen life is full of late nights, stress, non-nutritional foods, and hormone imbalances. Throw the turbulence of teen pregnancy into that and the risks sky rocket!
The first signs of pregnancy often go unnoticed in teen girls. They do not usually keep regular track of their periods, so they do not realize when they have missed one. Teens are often run down and tired, so fatigue is no red flag. They are always on an emotional roller coaster so mood swings are a normal daily occurrence. Teens are usually in denial and have a feeling of invincibility, so unless their pregnancy is expected, it will go undetected. Morning sickness will often be the first noticeable sign of trouble.
The lack of prenatal care is the is the #1 cause for health problems in pregnant teens. Once they know they are pregnant, they often don't tell their parents right away. The first few months of prenatal care are critical. Many teens do not see a doctor until these months have passed. Medical problems and complications can go undetected. They are also missing the benefits of prenatal vitamins. These, combined with folic acid, are key in helping prevent certain birth defects.
Pregnant teens are at higher risk for pregnancy induced hypertension. Preeclampsia can combine with dangerously high blood pressure,causing the mothers hands, feet and face to swell. This can cause organ damage and premature birth. The only cure for preeclampsia is delivering the baby, no matter what stage the pregnancy is in.
STD's are another medical concern among all teens, but have an increased risk in ones who are pregnant and their babies. The importance of condom use critically increases during pregnancy. STD's can rise through the cervix and infect the uterus and the growing baby inside it.
Teenage pregnancy also can cause anemia in the still growing body of a young lady. Anemia is fatigue brought on by a low red blood count. Pregnant teens need to be sure to eat adequate protein and take iron supplements if needed. They will be tested for anemia at their prenatal visits.
Placenta previa is a major risk for pregnant teens. This is a complication that occurs when the placenta grows on the opening of the cervix. The cervix is the area where the baby exits the womb during delivery. If this area is blocked, bleeding can occur, making it necessary to have an emergency c-section.
Babies having babies is something we will always see. Teaching our children about safe sex and self respect are our weapons against teen pregnancy. We need to have open communication and trusting relationships with our children. There will always be pregnant teens, so we as a society need to make sure the resources are available for them to seek prenatal care in the early stages of their pregnancy, to help ensure both children are healthy.
For information on Family Health and nutrition topics visit http://myfamilyplate.com
By Angie Valentine
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