While teenage pregnancy rates have dropped significantly over the last decade (as much as 44%, according to the CDC), it still remains a major issue in many parts of the developed world. The results of a dozen different studies regarding teenage pregnancy were rounded up in 12 Studied Effects of Teenage Pregnancy. The results are very interesting, and something that every teenager or parent of a teenager should consider.
The Effects of Teenage Pregnancy
- Teenage Pregnancy and High School Dropout Rates- A study performed by Child Trends discovered that 34% of teenage moms do not receive a high school diploma or GED before they turn 22. While this is an alarming number, the study doesn’t take into account those teenagers who have already dropped out of school or had major academic issues before becoming pregnant.
- Teen Moms and College- Not surprisingly, when you take the above statistics into account, only 2% of teen moms earn a college degree before age 30. If you were a teen mom, keep in mind that you can go back to school any time. Never think you’re too old, many women are earning degrees in their 50s and beyond!
- Higher Suicide Rates- Teenage moms have a much higher chance of committing suicide than their counterparts. Stress, economic conditions, and isolation from family are major contributing factors. A good support system is vital to teen moms, not just to prevent a devastating act like suicide, but to ensure that they lead fuller and happier lives in general.
- A Family Connection- Siblings of teenage moms are at an increased risk of becoming teenage parents themselves. Likewise, children of teenage mothers are also at a higher risk of having children very young as well.
- Increased Risk of Living in Poverty- Teenage pregnancy increases the risk of living in poverty, both for the teen parents themselves and for their children. Part of the reason lies in the fact that fewer teen moms obtain a high school diploma.
- Lower Academic Rates in Children- The children of teenage moms often obtain lower academic scores in school than children of older parents. This is more likely linked to the economic situation of those children than the fact that their mom was very young when they were born. In some cases, though, lack of prenatal care can lead to educational problems later in life.
- Multiple Young Pregnancies- One-quarter of girls who deliver their first baby during the teen years go on to have another baby within 2 years. This can lead to having several babies before the age of 18 if they girl starts very young.
- Increased risk of death-Due to underdeveloped bodies and lack of proper prenatal care, teenage pregnancy in girls between ages 15 and 20 are twice as likely to result in the mom dying during the pregnancy or childbirth. Teenage moms are also more likely to develop other medical problems.
- Higher incidence of male children ending up in prison. Sons of teenage moms have a higher risk of ending up in prison than sons of older moms. Again, the major factor in this is the socioeconomic status of the child, and not necessarily the mom herself.
- Less likely to marry. Teen moms are more likely to remain single than older moms. While remaining single is a lifestyle choice and is not necessarily a negative thing, it does impact the mom’s support system.
When looking at these studies and the results, it is important to remember that many teenage moms go on to live wonderful, fulfilling lives and raise brilliant children that go on to become successful adults. The best way to avoid complications is to ensure that teen parents have a strong support system.