) Teenage mothers are also more likely
to eat poorly and suffer from malnutrition during pregnancy, and expose the
unborn child to dangers such as smoking, drinking, and taking drugs which
can have adverse effects on the child. (March of Dimes) Teenagers are
also less likely to get regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, and
"babies born to women who do not have regular prenatal care are 4 times
more likely to die before the age of 1 year." (WHC) These children also
have an increased chance of experiencing social and emotional problems,
such as academic difficulties, a greater risk of being abused or neglected,
and a higher risk of criminal activity later in life. (WHC).
The teenager as well as the baby, of course, is also at risk of many
dangers. Eighty percent of teenage mothers eventually rely on welfare for
support, and teenage mothers are far more likely to drop out of high
school. In fact, only about one-third of teenage mothers eventually
receive their high school diploma. (WHC) Teenage pregnancies also lead to
a rise in delinquent behavior among the fathers involved, including
increased alcohol and drug consumption. Like the mothers, teenage fathers
also tend to have lower education levels and an overall reduced earning
potential in life. (WHC) Because the teenage mother is less likely to
seek proper medical care during the pregnancy, she is also at risk for
medical complications. (AACAP) Common emotional reactions for the
teenage parent and the involved family include anger, guilt and denial.
Some of the reactions that pregnant teens may have include not wanting the
baby, or instead wanting the child for unrealistic and idealized reasons
that can lead to significant disappointment. Some may see the child as an
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