Teen Pregnancy: The Critical Role of Parental Support

Introduction

A significant proportion of babies in the U.S. are born to women aged 15 to 19 years. In 2014 alone, 249,078 babies were delivered by teenage women, representing a birth rate of 24 in every 1,000 females in this age category (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016). This represents a historic low in the prevalence of teen pregnancy in the U.S. compared to two decades ago, with delayed and/or reduced sexual activity as well as increased use of birth control among teens believed to be the major contributors to the decline (CDC, 2016). Even so, teen pregnancy in the U.S. remains the highest in the developed world (Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2016).

Whereas the majority of teen births are unintended and occur outside of marriage, it is important to note that many of these are intended (Sekharan et al., 2015). At times, teens may make a conscious decision to become mothers. Regrettably, whether intended or not, teen pregnancy is often condemned and shamed by parents, families, schools, and society at large. Indeed, most discourses, efforts, and interventions in this area are predominantly focused on preventing teen pregnancy (Weed, Nicholson & Farris, 2014; Macutkiewicz & MacBeth, 2016). While teen pregnancy may have negative consequences for both the mother and the child, it is crucial for parents to offer encouragement and support whenever their teenager expresses a deliberate intention to become a mother. This paper critically highlights why it is important for parents and society to understand teens' perspectives on pregnancy, and why social support is crucial for the teen's overall wellbeing.

Teen Perspectives on Pregnancy

The general assumption is that all teen pregnancies are unwanted. From the media and schools to the family and society at large, pregnant teens are usually seen as promiscuous, deviant individuals who will never achieve anything significant in life. Nonetheless, not every teenager perceives their pregnancy as unplanned (Weed, Nicholson & Farris, 2014). Indeed, a number of studies conducted in the U.S. reveal that up to 12% of teenage women consciously elect to become pregnant (Macutkiewicz & MacBeth, 2016), with the prevalence of planned teen pregnancy being greater among African-American and Latin American teens compared to their Caucasian counterparts (Sekharan et al., 2015). This group — teenagers who deliberately plan to become mothers — tends to hold a positive attitude toward early childbearing. In spite of the associated hardships, they view young motherhood as a source of positive influence and personal transformation (Macutkiewicz & MacBeth, 2016). They envision motherhood as a more attractive option compared to education and career, and they tend to be fond of babies and caring for them.

For some, parenthood compensates for something they perceive to be missing from their life or that they are resentful about, such as a lack of formal or informal occupation or a difficult childhood (Macutkiewicz & MacBeth, 2016). The desire for early childbearing may further be motivated by the yearning for a new sense of identity, the need to end involvement in risky behaviors, the urge to complete childbearing early, and the need to secure one's relationship with a boyfriend (Weed, Nicholson & Farris, 2014; Macutkiewicz & MacBeth, 2016). Unfortunately, the reality of planned teen pregnancy has received little attention compared to unintended adolescent pregnancies (Sekharan et al., 2015).

While some positive perceptions about pregnancy carry significance and tangible meaning, the downsides cannot be ignored entirely. From a health perspective, teen pregnancy may result in complications for both the mother and the baby. It may lead to premature delivery, hypertension, low birth weight, and other obstetric complications, which can cause maternal and infant morbidities and mortalities (Sekharan et al., 2015). Nevertheless, these complications are not necessarily restricted to teenage pregnancies — older women may also experience them.

Furthermore, in some cases, one may end up regretting a pregnancy even when it was planned (Macutkiewicz & MacBeth, 2016). Contrary to expectations, a pregnancy may hinder one's freedom, obstruct the achievement of other life goals such as education and career, and deteriorate one's relationship with a romantic partner or parents. Teen pregnancy may also lead to stigmatization, imposing a substantial psychological burden on the teen (Sekharan et al., 2015). One may experience stress, depression, and feelings of rejection, causing regret about the decision. Regret may also arise when teens encounter practical child-rearing difficulties, especially when left to their own means. Raising children is undoubtedly a complex responsibility, both financially and otherwise. When deciding to become pregnant, teenagers may often fail to anticipate these complexities and their eventual consequences.

The Importance of Parental Support in Teen Pregnancy

It follows from the discussion that teen pregnancy can be a more fulfilling experience in the presence of an adequate social support system. Rather than shame and stigmatization, pregnant teens — whether their pregnancy was intended or unintended — deserve concern, encouragement, and support. Macutkiewicz & MacBeth (2016) point out that understanding a teenager's view of pregnancy is important for helping them make more informed decisions or face an evolving situation with greater confidence, as normally as possible. Instead of subjecting teenagers to shame, disgrace, and condemnation, parents ought to offer encouragement and support. They should equip teens with the necessary information relating to vital aspects such as reproductive health and parenting. Rather than telling teens how difficult, irresponsible, or unacceptable it is to be a parent during adolescence, parents should provide supportive information and affirm the positives of their teenagers' decisions where possible. This includes acknowledging the pregnancy, loving and caring for them as before, supporting their educational endeavors, and accepting to continue living with them if they choose not to stay with the father of the baby.

Assistance can also be provided by connecting pregnant teens — or those with the intention of becoming pregnant — with local community organizations that offer support. This can be a valuable way of bringing together teens with shared aspirations around parenthood. Access to a support network and informational resources makes the transition to parenthood easier. Transitioning to parenthood is undoubtedly a significant life event, necessitating a great deal of social support.

Supporting teens' decisions also involves acknowledging their feelings about love and intimacy. In most cases, adults devalue teenage love, often doubting teens' understanding of one of the most important aspects of human feeling and bonding (Weed, Nicholson & Farris, 2014). Whenever teenagers disclose their feelings to their parents, parents often dismiss them as "just hormones," assuming that a teenager does not truly know what they want. It is little wonder that most teenagers are reluctant to talk to their parents or other adults about their love lives. While it is natural for adults to perceive themselves as more knowledgeable about love, instances of genuine teenage love cannot be ignored. Indeed, it is not uncommon to hear adult women describe their high school boyfriend as the most loving person in their life. Therefore, rather than dismissing teenage love, adults — especially parents — ought to be more supportive, and that support should be even greater when a teenager intends to become pregnant.

Social support from the immediate family, as well as from other significant members of society such as schools, can significantly predict pregnancy outcomes, as it often improves one's psychological wellbeing. It can minimize the tendency toward abortion as well as the risk of obstetric complications, resulting in positive wellbeing for both mother and baby (Sekharan et al., 2015). Meaningful support can also increase the likelihood of completing education and pursuing a career alongside pregnancy and child-rearing, which is important for the mother's social and economic wellbeing (Weed, Nicholson & Farris, 2014). Research on adolescent health outcomes consistently reinforces that strong support networks are among the most protective factors available to pregnant teens.

Conclusion

Overall, it is erroneous to assume that teens do not really know what they want and that all teenage pregnancies are unwanted and unplanned. Some teenagers have a genuine desire to become mothers at an early age. Whether intended or unintended, teen pregnancy does not deserve condemnation or stigmatization. Teens who become pregnant, or who consciously choose to become pregnant, ought to be shown concern and offered encouragement and support. Supporting teen pregnancy is crucial for avoiding or minimizing abortion tendencies as well as obstetric complications that may endanger the lives of both mother and baby. Support is also important for ensuring an easier transition to parenthood, as the fear, anxiety, and stress associated with early childbearing and parenting are minimized. In essence, it is imperative for parents and society as a whole to change their perceptions about teen pregnancy.