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Cost and Complications of Teen Pregnancy

            Teenage pregnancy is defined as a teenaged or under-aged girl (usually within the ages of 13-19) becoming pregnant.

            Currently, the United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the Western industrialized world. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are reported as being unplanned.

            There are various consequences and negative emotional effects to teenage pregnancy for the teen mom; one of which are the feelings associated with finding out about the pregnancy. When an unplanned pregnancy occurs, telling parents and then determining the decision for the pregnancy both create worry, fear, anger, guilt and shame for the teen parents. Teen mothers are more likely to suffer from depression and attempted suicide, as well as increase their risk for alcohol and substance abuse.

            Physical consequences for the teen mom are also a huge role in the dangers of teenage pregnancy. For instance, teenage mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during their pregnancy, leading to low birth weight and complications for the baby. Considering the pregnancy was unplanned, many teenaged mothers are not fully educated on the proper care for a pregnancy. Teen mothers are also less likely to eat healthy in comparison to adult women and are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure.

            In addition to the negative consequences for the teen mother, there are also health risks for the baby. Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to be born underweight and prematurely. They could potentially have an increased risk of suffering from respiratory problems, developmental disabilities, bleeding to the brain, vision loss and suffer from premature death. 

            In addition to risks that affect the teen mother and the baby, one problem that is often not considered are the financial consequences. The cost of a baby is often underestimated by teenaged parents. Such costs include; prenatal care and delivery of the baby, if the mother or baby need added medical care, expenses for providing for the baby, (i.e. diapers, clothing, formula, bedding, food, child care, etc.).

            Teen parents can also misjudge the possible long term effects a teenage pregnancy could have on their lives. For one, the lack of educational attainment; teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school; only 33% of teen mothers obtain a high school diploma. Two, the lack of employment without an education will unlikely result in good paying employment. Lastly, the risk of poverty is increased due to the lack of employment for the mother.

            Long term consequences for the child of a teen parent include risks such as improper nutrition, health care and cognitive and social stimulation. The child is at risk for lower academic achievement and abuse and neglect. Boys born to teenage mothers are 13% more likely to be incarcerated later in life and girls born to teenage mothers are 22% more likely to become teenage mothers themselves.

            All teen pregnancies can be prevented. It is important for teens to talk to their parents or a trusted adult about protection and the best choices for their life.