The United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world, despite the fact that the rate of teen pregnancy in the U.S., has actually declined over the past ten years. Is the sex on TV or the fact that there are teen celebrities getting much publicity, adding to the problem?

The statistics:

In order to help stem the rate of teen pregnancies it is important to look at some statistics. Teen moms are more likely to have been abused as children, and they are more likely to be abused during the pregnancy. Teen moms are not likely to complete high school as the statistics say only 1/3 of those who are pregnant ever receive their high school diplomas.

What can school do to help stem the tide of teen pregnancies?

Schools can help spread the news that academic success and self-worth go hand in hand. When teen understand they have value, they are much less likely to participate in risky behavior including behavior that results in teen pregnancy.

A big part of preventing teen pregnancy is providing education to our youth regarding sexual activity. Programs such as abstinence education and grants for community-based abstinence education should be supported by legislature, and communities and programs within the schools and community that educate our youth regarding teen pregnancy issues not only in preventing but regarding what happens after the pregnancy is confirmed need to received continued funding because education is key to preventing the negative consequences teens face not only those they face physically but economically.

What can parents do to help stem the tide of teen pregnancies?

Parents of young children need to be responsible about teaching values and consequences. Teens and their parents should understand the seriousness of the consequences involved including the emotional ones and to plan to avoid them by teaching and expecting teens to practice abstinence. If that plan fails and teens insist on having sex contraception must be used. Teaching sex education is not enough, teens need to learn about the medical consequences of teen pregnancy for the baby and the teen mom-to-be.

Health risks for a baby born to a teen mom:

Low birth weight

Higher rate of infant mortality

Distress at birth from organs that are not fully developed if born with low birth rate or prematurely

Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to be at risk for poor health because statistically teen mothers-to-be are less likely than older moms to take prenatal vitamins, eat nutritious food during the pregnancy, are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs during the pregnancy all of these behaviors can contribute to poor infant health.

Teen-age mothers are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care resulting in undetected problems

Other risks for an infant born to a teenage mom:

They are less likely to receive adequate health care, proper nutrition or financial support

Health risks for a pregnant teen mom-to-be:

Girls who become pregnant during the teen years have bones that are not mature because they have not finished growing yet. This puts stress on the bones especially the pelvis and spine that may cause injury.

Teen moms are more likely not to get prenatal care, especially in the first several months of the pregnancy because they are typically too scared to tell anyone about the pregnancy. This lack of prenatal care puts her and her baby at risk.

Since teen moms are at higher risk for a premature birth this also puts both the baby and mom at risk for birth complications.

If the teen participated in risky sexual practices she may have put herself and her baby at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

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