By: Owusu Ampofo-Adjei Eric
Teenage pregnancy may have a huge negative social and medical influence on mothers' and children's health globally. Compared to adult , young women experience more harmful perinatal problems, such as premature births, neonatal fatalities and stillbirths, and the delivery of children with low birth weight. With negative perinatal outcomes, in Ghana, teenage pregnancy is still a widespread and important public health issue that needs urgent attention.
One of the main causes of mortality for females between the ages of 15 and 19 is pregnancy and delivery problems. The health of young women in ghana is, therefore, seriously threatened by adolescent pregnancies. Neonatal and maternal difficulties are more common when a teen gets pregnant. To bring about change, avert problems, and lower the risk of maternal death, specialized antenatal care and health education are crucial. In ghana, teenage pregnancy is very high. To prevent this, there is a need to focus on teenage education regarding safe sexual practices and pregnancy complication
pregnant adolescent girl who is forced to miss school is denied her right to an education. She also denied her right to health because she is not allowed to use any kind of contraception or access knowledge on reproductive health. Many teenagers are not physically or mentally prepared for pregnancy or delivery, which increases the risk of problems and even life-threatening health effects. Early school leaving and health issues compromise their ability to make
Causes of teenage pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy is a common problem that is more likely to affect vulnerable populations due to factors including poverty, illiteracy, and a lack of job prospects. It continues to be a significant factor in infant mortality and maternal mortality, as well as intergenerational cycles of illness and poverty.
Teenage pregnancy incidences were shown to be mostly caused by a lack of education, lack of access to contraception and health information, and autonomy in making decisions. Teenage pregnancy is greatly influenced by early marriage, rape, or sexual abuse of married or unmarried females. Unwanted births and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are both facilitated by the partner's refusal or resistance to use any kind of contraception .
Effects of teenage pregnancy
For a young mother and her child, life may be challenging. Teenage moms are more likely to leave school for childcare compared to other females.
Due to her little schooling, a teen mother may lack the skills necessary for work, making it challenging for her to find and maintain a career and establish her source of income . Young mothers who have children may become financially dependent on their families or government support. The aforementioned factors make teen mothers more likely to be poor.
Whatever the circumstances, becoming pregnant is a challenge for every woman. The crisis, however, is far more intense for the teenager since it adds yet another degree of complexity to a physically and emotionally stressful time. Due to financial strain, societal stigmas, or a lack of support from her family and community, the young mother may also experience mental health problems, including stress, sadness, and suicidal thoughts.
They encounter loneliness, guilt that causes stress and despairs, poor self-esteem that causes them to lose interest in their studies, few career opportunities, and lack of a support.
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