Essay on Causes and Effects of Having Children at Young Age
Number of words: 940
Every year an estimated 21 million girls of age 15-19 are reported to be pregnant, and approximately 12 million give birth. At least 777,000 delivery occur to adolescent girls younger than 15 yrs (“Vincent Guido 9.2 2016). These pregnancies are a global problem occurring in both low-middle and high-income countries around the world. However, most of these teenage pregnancies are experienced in low-income countries. The pregnancies are due to poor living and low education levels (“Maravilla. Joe Merc et al .217.5 (2017). Teenage in developed countries is mostly outside marriage and social stigma. While the number of adolescent pregnancies is declining in the United States, it remains higher than in industrialized countries. Teenage pregnancies may seem like a product of the difference in power between teenagers. The peers and people of different social grouping are constantly played out (“Maravilla Joe Merc et al .217.5(2017). The category of adolescence of fertility and production are keys to understanding the symbolic and social significance of teenage pregnancies. When a teenager becomes a parent, there seems to be no option; therefore, teens need to be educated about abstinence and how having a baby will change their life.
I got pregnant with my first-born daughter at 17, and I was in the 12th grade. It is never easy when a teenager gets pregnant; chances of her continuing her studies are meager. One faces significant levels of stress, which can lead to increased mental health concerns. Higher rates of postpartum depression were also experienced. Jaida Snyder was born on March 24, and I had a lot of Joy when I gave birth to her. But it was not accessible from the first day of raising her. While not all teenage mothers are affected by mental or physical changes, many are; there are many thoughts of suicidal ideation. Teen mothers are most likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder than other teenage women. This may be because teenage moms may have gone through physical or mental abuse. Being a new mom and childbirth can bring conditions. For example, I had a problem bonding with my baby Jaida. I was overwhelmed with anxiety fatigue, and also I was feeling worthless since I had disappointed my parent by giving birth at such a young age. I also found it difficult to enjoy the activities I once did since I was now held up with responsibilities.
Teenage parents don’t usually complete education, and the lucky ones have their high school diploma at the age of 22. Only 10 % of teen mums complete a two or four-year degree (“Chlazor, Al., et al.5.1(2017). This is typically associated with the more remarkable ability to earn more income over the cause of a lifetime. Also, complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death among girls aged 15-19 years (“Chlazor Al et al. 5.1 (2017). Most of these complications are due to immature bodies. Babies born by younger mothers are also at risk. It can also cause negative social and economic stigma since most unmarried adolescents face stigma in society (“Vincent Guido 9.2 (2016). Many factors cause teenage pregnancies: lack of information and reproductive health, sexual violence, child early and forced marriages, lack of education, or dropping out of school are some of the causes of teen pregnancies, which can also be resolved—creating awareness about teenage pregnancies talking to teens and teaching them on the importance of abstinence—and also talking to parents on the seriousness of taking care of their children and providing for them, making sure that they have all the necessities. Also, in some societies, girls are under pressure to marry and give birth early. In the least developed countries, at least 39% before they are 18yrs and 12% before 15 (“Vincent Guido 9.2 (2016). In most societies, motherhood is more valued, and giving birth is the limited option available.
Becoming a mom at a young age is not the end of the world one can still go back to everyday life. Also, one can enhance connections and also have some time for practical considerations. It also helps you prepare for the future kids; for instance, when I got my second born Carter Edmond, I never had a lot of struggles because my body already had the experience. And I also had a bit of knowledge on how to go about it. The third-born Carson Edmond was a walk in the park since I knew almost everything about pregnancy and childbearing, and the best of all is that they all celebrate their birthday on the same day since they were all born on March 24. Celebrating their birthday on the same date and day makes the bond between them much more substantial. As much as being a teenage mother has a lot of challenges, it also helps in the future one can take care of her children while she is still energetic and full of life. Being a teenage mum should not be considered a disadvantage.
Work Cited
Vincent, Gwido, and Fekadu Mazengia Alemu. “Factors contributing to, and effects of, teenage pregnancy in Juba.” South Sudan Medical Journal 9.2 (2016): 28-31.
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ssmj/article/view/137169
Maravilla, Joemer C., et al. “Factors influencing repeated teenage pregnancy: a review and meta-analysis.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 217.5 (2017): 527-545.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937817305227
Chiazor, A. I., et al. “Teenage pregnancy: The female adolescent dilemma.” International Journal of Science Commerce and Humanities 5.1 (2017): 70-82.