Did you know that teen mothers face a higher risk of anemia, high blood pressure, and premature labor? Besides these health risks to the mother, premature birth and low birth weight are also risks the baby faces.
Many aspects of life are affected by a teen pregnancy besides the health of the mom and baby. Social, economic, and educational factors are also affected. Preventing teen pregnancy provides empowerment and opportunity that a young female may not have otherwise had the chance for. By definition, a teen pregnancy is any female between the ages of 15-19 who has had a live birth, abortion, or miscarriage. The rate of teen pregnancy has continued to decline over the years, with 2024 having the record low of 12.7 births per 1,000 teen females. This represents a 3% decline from 2023. This success is attributed to continuing to improve access to contraception.
The best way to prevent unwanted pregnancy is abstinence, or having no sexual intercourse. As this is not always the ideal option, it is important to know about the different methods available. The most effective birth control is long-acting reversible contraception, such as implants that go under the skin or intrauterine devices. Once placed, they can remain in place anywhere from 3-10 years and are proven to work 99% of the time to prevent conception. Condoms remain the only form that protects against Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Pregnancy prevention begins with a shared conversation between a medical provider and your teenager. Our contraceptive counseling appointments incorporate patient preferences to determine the best form of protection and keep the visit individualized. This shared decision-making process ensures patient-centered care is our priority. Discussing the different methods that are available and the efficacy ensures that we can diversify healthcare to fit every patient’s needs.
If you are a teen or a parent of a teen, we are here for you. We know it can be an uncomfortable conversation, but let’s discuss all of your questions to help find the best option for you! Call your Women’s Health Specialists provider at (920) 749-4000 to schedule your appointment today.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/births/teen-births.html
https://www.webmd.com/baby/teen-pregnancy-medical-risks-and-realities