| Teenage pregnancy problems
Figures for teenage pregnancy have, over the years, shown a general tendency to rise in many areas of the UK, although over 70% of teenagers had sought contraceptive advice from their GP or the local Family Planning Clinic, and over 50% had been prescribed regular oral contraceptive treatments. Most of the pregnancies occurring are largely unintended and generally regarded as a problem by young women – especially those under 16 years of age. Pregnancy rates tend to be higher in socially deprived areas where public welfare services are underfunded and overstretched. Many teenage parents live in disadvantaged communities and low-quality accommodation and this is often associated with poor general health of both the mother and the baby. Teenagers do not, on the whole, take full responsibility for their own health and preparation for pregnancy is not usually considered by the vast majority. There is also a perception that antenatal care doesn’t really do anything and isn’t really necessary anyway. Denial and ‘avoidance’ of the truth (being pregnant) is commonplace. Many have ambivalence about their pregnancy and a fear of discovery. This delays or prevents their uptake of antenatal care. As a consequence, nearly one in five of the teenagers who do become pregnant receive inadequate antenatal care. They have not ‘thought about it’, and often wait five months or later before seeing their GP. By this time many of the important blood screens are many weeks overdue, and any health problems that could have been easily detected and treated (such as anaemia, diabetes, and blood pressure problems) have been around long enough to jeopardise the health of both mother and unborn child. This group also suffers various other obstetric problems, including early placental separation. The expected date of delivery (EDD), with a forecast of gestational age is also more difficult at this time of presentation because essential pre-gestational events and dates have been forgotten. The health among teenage mothers shows an alarmingly high rate of smoking and over 70% also reports frequent high alcohol consumption. Chronic health problems, such as asthma, were present in over 30%. There is also the added feature of an increase in the use of ‘recreational’ and illegal drugs in this age group. There is an increased number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases in adolescent and teenage pregnancies, together with an increase in HIV-positive tests. Low birth weight and premature birth, can be exacerbated by lack of antenatal care. As a consequence serious long-term health issues can affect such low birth weight, premature babies. This then can mean a greater infant need, with an accompanying rise in maternal stress, together with emotional and financial burdens adding their effects on the new, unprepared and quite often unhealthy young mother. Compared to pregnancy in older women, teenage pregnancy tends to be associated with an increased risk of poor social and economic outcomes for both the mother and child. There is a higher risk of experiencing adverse health problems. In many cases the Welfare State and local Council Housing Associations can help. Other child and mother agencies are all working together under the guidance of Health and Social Workers. They have been mobilised by the medical services who take care of the teenage mother and her baby. There are also voluntary organisations that provide advice and support for young families under stress. Brook Advisory Centres (tel 0800 0185 023). Offer young people advice, counselling and medical help on contraception, pregnancy, abortion and sexual health.
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