How Can Teenage Pregnancy Affect Your Life?
momjunction 
Have you tested positive on the pregnancy test? Are you wondering how it can affect your life? Are you looking for ways to cope up with it? If you are looking for answers to these questions, then you must read our post.
Teenage pregnancy can be devastating. But once it happens, there is no way going back. The most you can do is come to terms with this life-changing event. It can have far-reaching effects on every aspect of your life, both during pregnancy and after delivery. So, how can teenage pregnancy affect your life? Read on and find out!
1. Emotional Crisis:
From the time you miss your period, you will suffer from an intense emotional crisis. You may feel scared, anxious, confused, frustrated, nervous and even resentful.
2. Academics:
This is one of the serious effects of teen pregnancy on social life. Teenage pregnancy is one of the leading reasons for young girls dropping out of school. Research shows that less than 40% of all pregnant teens graduate after dropping out of school. Your reasons for missing school can vary. Maybe you need to visit your gynecologist or you may be on bed rest. Once you give birth, attending school becomes all the more difficult. These factors can affect your overall academic performance.
[ Read: Health Realities Of Teenage Pregnancy ]
3. Relationship With The Baby’s Father:
As soon as you tell your boyfriend you are pregnant, chances are that he will desert you. A survey by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy concludes that most teen fathers refuse to marry the mother of their baby. Your baby might grow up having no relationship with his father.
4. Depression:
Becoming pregnant in your teens may lead to depression. The scathing comments and cold stares can make you anxious, and chances are it will lead to depression. Studies show that teen mommies are at a greater risk of postpartum depression. If untreated, postpartum depression can affect your healing and development.
5. Medical Complications:
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that pregnant teens can experience unique medical complications because their young bodies are still developing. Most teens do not seek proper medical care during pregnancy, either due to shame or little support from parents. A lack of medical care can lead to complications like toxemia, anemia, placenta previa, high blood pressure and even premature delivery.
6. Discrimination:
As a pregnant teen, you may face ridicule and discrimination from teachers, administrators, and schoolmates. You may also face discrimination when looking for a job. If you are part of a religious group, you may feel like an outcast.
[ Read: Impact Of Teenage Pregnancy On Society ]
7. Worries About The Future:
Uncertainty about the future is a common feeling during teenage pregnancy. You may feel that you don’t have enough knowledge to be a mother. You will also have fears about how the baby will affect your life and aspirations for the future.
8. You May Neglect The Baby:
Once you give birth, you may not be able to give your baby the undivided attention that he needs. After all, as a teen, you don’t have the maturity to handle a baby. Also, the constant needs of the child and the lack of freedom to interact with your peer group may frustrate you.
9. Financial Issues:
Teenage pregnancy can lead to many financial problems. If you don’t work full-time, you might have to get one to make ends meet. Studies conclude that a large percent of teen mothers find themselves either in a homeless or non-permanent living situation. So, you may have to move between the homes of your friends and sibling.
Hope you liked our post on how teenage pregnancy can affect your life. Consider all the changes teen pregnancy can bring about in your life, before you indulge in unprotected sex.
[ Read: How Does Peer Pressure Influence Teen Pregnancy ]
How did you deal with your pregnancy? How did you overcome the fears and emotional trauma? Share if you know any teenage pregnancy real life stories with us by commenting below.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
