Teenage Pregnancy: Preventive and Preparation Strategies
By: C. Iromuanya
“Congratulations on your pregnancy, this is such an exciting time!” Truth be told, not all conversations go like this, especially when it involves teenage pregnancy. The reality of this epidemic is most teen pregnancies are unplanned (Guttmacher Institute). Immediately, parents begin rewinding and thinking about all the warning signs they missed and things they could have do to prevent this. Parents, there are two things to realize; there are preventive strategies (prior to teen pregnancy) and equally important are preparation (teen pregnancy) strategies.
Preventive Mode: As a parent it is important to understand that you have the most influence on whether your child engages in early sexual behaviors (Guttmacher Institute). It is important to know the facts, have discussions, and also build and develop assets while raising children.
1. Know the Facts (for more facts on sexual and reproductive health please refer to Guttmacher Institute)
- Although only 13% of teens have had sex by age 15, by their 19th birthday, 70% of female and male teens have had intercourse (Guttmacher Institute).
- On average, young people have sex for the first time at about age 17, but they do not marry until their mid-20s. This means that young adults may be at increased risk for unintended pregnancy and STIs for nearly a decade or longer (Guttmacher Institute).
- A sexually active teen that does not use a contraceptive has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year (Guttmacher Institute).
- No state explicitly requires parental consent or notification for contraceptive services. However, two states (Texas and Utah) require parental consent for contraceptive services paid for with state funds (Guttmacher Institute).
2. Have Discussions. Do Not Shy Away From the Conversation.
Early sexual activity carries both physical and emotional risks. Youth need to understand the risks, be able to recognize sexual pressure, and know how to deal with their sexual feelings. Research reveals that kids are more likely to postpone sexual activity if their parents ask them to and 9 out of 10 young people said it would be easier to not become sexually active as teens if they had more conversations with their parents (Albert, 2007).
3. One of the Most Important Things When Parenting is Building and Developing your Childs Assets (a complete list of Development Assets can be found at Search Institute)
External Assets: Support, Empowerment, Boundaries/Expectations, Constructive Use of Time. Internal Assets: Commitment to Learning, Positive Values, Social Competencies, Positive Identity
The asset-building approach encourages kids to abstain from early sexual activity. By building assets with your children, you can ensure that they will have the skills, tools, and experiences they need to grow into successful adults who make good decisions for themselves and positively influence those around them (Search Institute, 2012).
***
Preparation Mode: As a parent it is important to understand the significance and road ahead when it pertains to teenage pregnancy. Youth will be going through many emotions, while also relying on parents for guidance, support, and leadership. It is important to know the facts, have a tool kit of resources for yourself, and a tool kit of resources to share with your child.
1. Know the Facts (for more facts on sexual and reproductive health please refer to Guttmacher Institute)
-Two-thirds of teen pregnancies occur among teens 18-19 years old (Guttmacher Institute).
-Out of all teen pregnancies, 57% end in birth and another 14% end in miscarriage (Guttmacher Institute).
- Nearly a third of pregnant teenagers choose abortion (Guttmacher Institute).
-Teens who become pregnant are less likely to attend college (Guttmacher Institute).
2. Available Resources
Parents, you are not alone! There are a number of community based programs and resources available for parents seeking support and guidance. Along with community based programs, there are many resources on the internet that serve as immediate and inexpensive tools for parents and families looking for additional support.
Planned Parenthood: the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate.
FamilyEducation.com: the first parenting site on the web and is the internet's most-visited site for parents who are involved, committed, and responsive to their families' needs (Pearson, 2000).
ParentingFurther.com: Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with kids, Parenting Further’s positive, strength-based approach to parenting focuses on what’s right with kids (and parents), and the small, everyday steps that can be taken to help kids be successful in the future.
Additional online resources
ABCD Parenting Young Adolescents: http://www.abcdparenting.org
Adolescent Parenting Coalition, Inc.: http://www.aboutapc.org/
Family Education Network: http://fen.com/resources/aboutFEN.html
Guttmacher: http://www.guttmacher.org/
Parent Research Centre: http://www.parentingrc.org.au
Teen Parent Connection: http://teenparentconnetion.org
References
Bill Albert, (2007). America’s Adults and Teens Sound Off About Teen Pregnancy: An Annual Survey, (Washington, DC: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2007).
Guttmacher Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2012, from Guttmacher Institute: http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/FB-ATSRH.html
Pearson. (2000, September). Family Education Network. Retrieved November 3, 2012, from Family Education Network: http://fen.com/resources/aboutFEN.html
Search Institute. (2012). Discovering What Kids Need to Succeed. Retrieved November 1, 2012, from http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18
Preventive Mode: As a parent it is important to understand that you have the most influence on whether your child engages in early sexual behaviors (Guttmacher Institute). It is important to know the facts, have discussions, and also build and develop assets while raising children.
1. Know the Facts (for more facts on sexual and reproductive health please refer to Guttmacher Institute)
- Although only 13% of teens have had sex by age 15, by their 19th birthday, 70% of female and male teens have had intercourse (Guttmacher Institute).
- On average, young people have sex for the first time at about age 17, but they do not marry until their mid-20s. This means that young adults may be at increased risk for unintended pregnancy and STIs for nearly a decade or longer (Guttmacher Institute).
- A sexually active teen that does not use a contraceptive has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year (Guttmacher Institute).
- No state explicitly requires parental consent or notification for contraceptive services. However, two states (Texas and Utah) require parental consent for contraceptive services paid for with state funds (Guttmacher Institute).
2. Have Discussions. Do Not Shy Away From the Conversation.
Early sexual activity carries both physical and emotional risks. Youth need to understand the risks, be able to recognize sexual pressure, and know how to deal with their sexual feelings. Research reveals that kids are more likely to postpone sexual activity if their parents ask them to and 9 out of 10 young people said it would be easier to not become sexually active as teens if they had more conversations with their parents (Albert, 2007).
3. One of the Most Important Things When Parenting is Building and Developing your Childs Assets (a complete list of Development Assets can be found at Search Institute)
External Assets: Support, Empowerment, Boundaries/Expectations, Constructive Use of Time. Internal Assets: Commitment to Learning, Positive Values, Social Competencies, Positive Identity
The asset-building approach encourages kids to abstain from early sexual activity. By building assets with your children, you can ensure that they will have the skills, tools, and experiences they need to grow into successful adults who make good decisions for themselves and positively influence those around them (Search Institute, 2012).
***
Preparation Mode: As a parent it is important to understand the significance and road ahead when it pertains to teenage pregnancy. Youth will be going through many emotions, while also relying on parents for guidance, support, and leadership. It is important to know the facts, have a tool kit of resources for yourself, and a tool kit of resources to share with your child.
1. Know the Facts (for more facts on sexual and reproductive health please refer to Guttmacher Institute)
-Two-thirds of teen pregnancies occur among teens 18-19 years old (Guttmacher Institute).
-Out of all teen pregnancies, 57% end in birth and another 14% end in miscarriage (Guttmacher Institute).
- Nearly a third of pregnant teenagers choose abortion (Guttmacher Institute).
-Teens who become pregnant are less likely to attend college (Guttmacher Institute).
2. Available Resources
Parents, you are not alone! There are a number of community based programs and resources available for parents seeking support and guidance. Along with community based programs, there are many resources on the internet that serve as immediate and inexpensive tools for parents and families looking for additional support.
Planned Parenthood: the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate.
FamilyEducation.com: the first parenting site on the web and is the internet's most-visited site for parents who are involved, committed, and responsive to their families' needs (Pearson, 2000).
ParentingFurther.com: Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with kids, Parenting Further’s positive, strength-based approach to parenting focuses on what’s right with kids (and parents), and the small, everyday steps that can be taken to help kids be successful in the future.
Additional online resources
ABCD Parenting Young Adolescents: http://www.abcdparenting.org
Adolescent Parenting Coalition, Inc.: http://www.aboutapc.org/
Family Education Network: http://fen.com/resources/aboutFEN.html
Guttmacher: http://www.guttmacher.org/
Parent Research Centre: http://www.parentingrc.org.au
Teen Parent Connection: http://teenparentconnetion.org
References
Bill Albert, (2007). America’s Adults and Teens Sound Off About Teen Pregnancy: An Annual Survey, (Washington, DC: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2007).
Guttmacher Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2012, from Guttmacher Institute: http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/FB-ATSRH.html
Pearson. (2000, September). Family Education Network. Retrieved November 3, 2012, from Family Education Network: http://fen.com/resources/aboutFEN.html
Search Institute. (2012). Discovering What Kids Need to Succeed. Retrieved November 1, 2012, from http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18