The Effects of Teen Pregnancy
The Effects of Teen Pregnancy
Tiffany Laubach
Kaplan University
CM 220-57
Professor Campos
February 12, 2012
The Effects of Teen Pregnancy Are Americans effectively discussing the topic of teen pregnancy? “According to research in 2009 approximately 410,000 births occurred among teens aged 15-19 in the United States of America.” (Razol, Warner, Gavin, Callaghan, Sptiz, Anderson, Barfield, Kahn, 2011, ¶6) Therefore, the United States of America ranks number one among all other countries and teen pregnancy is a vital issue that needs to be dealt with. Many teens today are not aware of how big the responsibility is to raise a child. Raising a child today involves a lot of patience and sacrifices that a teen does not have. Teenage pregnancy negatively impacts the physical, emotional, and social situations of a teen’s life. Teen pregnancy negatively impacts not only a teen mother physically, but also her child. Teen mothers tend to start smoking, using drugs, and begin drinking during their pregnancy from stress and depression. As a result, there are many physical effects when it comes to teens having babies. Due to the immature body and mind of teenagers, their babies can suffer many health problems. Some of these health problems include premature birth, low birth weight, organs not developing fully, loss of vision, lung disease, and respiratory complications. Because of these physical effects, the majority of babies born often die early. ("Teenage pregnancy has," 2011) Having to deal with an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager is confusing and scary. Because pregnant teens do not know where to turn for help once they find out they are pregnant, they suffer emotionally. Many pregnant teens fear they cannot be the mother they wish to be. A teen can often feel depressed, as if she is no good and a worthless person. They have feelings of sadness, irritability, trouble sleeping, and the inability to care for their child. As a result, she may have difficulty bonding
Tiffany Laubach
Kaplan University
CM 220-57
Professor Campos
February 12, 2012
The Effects of Teen Pregnancy Are Americans effectively discussing the topic of teen pregnancy? “According to research in 2009 approximately 410,000 births occurred among teens aged 15-19 in the United States of America.” (Razol, Warner, Gavin, Callaghan, Sptiz, Anderson, Barfield, Kahn, 2011, ¶6) Therefore, the United States of America ranks number one among all other countries and teen pregnancy is a vital issue that needs to be dealt with. Many teens today are not aware of how big the responsibility is to raise a child. Raising a child today involves a lot of patience and sacrifices that a teen does not have. Teenage pregnancy negatively impacts the physical, emotional, and social situations of a teen’s life. Teen pregnancy negatively impacts not only a teen mother physically, but also her child. Teen mothers tend to start smoking, using drugs, and begin drinking during their pregnancy from stress and depression. As a result, there are many physical effects when it comes to teens having babies. Due to the immature body and mind of teenagers, their babies can suffer many health problems. Some of these health problems include premature birth, low birth weight, organs not developing fully, loss of vision, lung disease, and respiratory complications. Because of these physical effects, the majority of babies born often die early. ("Teenage pregnancy has," 2011) Having to deal with an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager is confusing and scary. Because pregnant teens do not know where to turn for help once they find out they are pregnant, they suffer emotionally. Many pregnant teens fear they cannot be the mother they wish to be. A teen can often feel depressed, as if she is no good and a worthless person. They have feelings of sadness, irritability, trouble sleeping, and the inability to care for their child. As a result, she may have difficulty bonding
References: Christensen, S., & Rosen, A. (1996). Information About Children & Families. Retrieved from http://community.michiana.org/famconn/teenpreg.html Hoffman, S.D., (2006) Kohli, V., & Nyberg , K. (1995, June). Teen Pregnancy Prevention Through Education. Retrieved from http://www.csus.edu/calst/government_affairs/reports/Teen_Pregnancy_Prevention_Through_Education.pdf Margret, H Teenage pregnancy has detrimental consequences. (2011, April 07). Retrieved from http://www.knowtheteens.com/teenage-pregnancy-has-detrimental-consequences.html Razol, K., Warner, L., Gavin, L., Callaghan, L., Spitz, A Teen Pregnancy--United States, 1991-2009. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 60(13), 414-420. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.lib.kaplan.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=0eb7d5