Teenage pregnancy has become a living nightmare for many parents in US and other countries. Their anxiety meters starts rising as soon as children, especially girls cross the threshold of puberty. Owing to the rebellious traits in most teenage kids, it is often not possible to monitor their daily activities even after warning them about the consequences of unprotected sex.
Early Indicators And Pregnancy Symptoms:
Teenagers, mostly girls tend to hide an accidental pregnancy due to fear, anxiety or shame. A responsible parent should be equipped to read early signs of pregnancy.
A distinct change in the behavior of a girl child, i.e. confusion, frustration, resentment and worry should be one of the preliminary indicators towards a teenage pregnancy.
Also such teenagers would develop unusual dietary tastes and appetite during those days.
Bodily changes like sudden soreness of breasts and morning sickness are definite signs hinting at a premature motherhood. A missed menstrual cycle could be yet another pregnancy symptom.
A sudden gain in weight or body mass should be watched out for.
Prevention And Care:
Parents should realize that children are often volatile and unpredictable during their teenage years. It is important to understand that the child needs a friend in whom he/she can confide, rather than a preaching and patronizing parent.
Informing teenage children about their bodily changes post puberty, risks related to unprotected sex and premature child birth are very essential on behalf of parents. It certainly helps them understand how careful they must be while conducting themselves with the opposite sex.
Providing them with knowledge of contraceptives and preventive measures like condoms and birth control pills is a must before indulging a physical relationship. These measures also help in preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
It is important to make a child realize about the social and psychological impacts of an early pregnancy. The high proximity of death rates during a premature child birth, amnesia and fluctuations in blood pressure are other truths that children should be acquainted with.
A teenager’s body and mind are not matured to bear the responsibilities of a newborn child. Delivering a child under such circumstances could be a grave danger to both. A child born to such a mother is prone to be born with underdeveloped organs and other deficiencies.
Finally, it is necessary to remember that puberty happens to be one of the most crucial phases in the development of an individual. It is important to be open with children about their physical and mental changes during this stage. Warning them regarding the possible consequences of a teenage pregnancy, and making them aware about prevention measures helps them in the long run.