Did you know that a 2014 study found that American teens have almost 750,000 pregnancies a year? [1] According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, in 2017 alone, 193,377 babies were born to teens between the ages of 15-19. [2] While the number is shockingly high, being the highest of all developed countries according to a 2015 study, the number of instances alone is just one troubling aspect of teen pregnancy. [3] Teen pregnancies are especially concerning because they are often accompanied by childbirth complications, which are the leading causes of death for women in the same age range globally. [4]

Although teen pregnancy rates in the U.S. have decreased in the last few years, teens and parents who take proactive approaches to the possibility of teen pregnancy are less likely to fall victim to certain risk factors. [5]

Is My Teen at Risk?

Lack of Sex Education

If you’re uncertain that your teen is at risk for an unplanned pregnancy, the best place to start is at home. When teens without proper sex education reach adolescence, they have a higher likelihood of participating in risk-taking activities, such as drug use, alcohol abuse, and reckless sexual behavior. Younger teenagers and those not aware of preventative measures, contraceptives, etc., are also much more vulnerable. [6] This, however, is preventable by taking a proactive approach to your teen’s education, and holding discussions well before they reach their teen years.

Drug and Alcohol Use

Alongside teens who lack healthy dialogue about sex education, teens who display tendencies for reckless behaviors, such as alcohol and drug abuse, are also at a higher risk for unexpected pregnancies. [6] Though not all teen mothers are or were previously involved with these behaviors, it’s best to pay attention to your teens and to talk to them about your boundaries when it comes to responsible behavior.

Low Self-Esteem

An underestimated cause for unexpected pregnancies is the factor of low self-esteem. [5] Teens with poor grades, a lack of future goals, and a general sense of complacency about their future tend to be greater risk-takers. The problem of low self-esteem can also be exacerbated by depression, anxiety, and other related mental illnesses. Whether low self-esteem is caused by mental health issues or not, it is an issue that should not be taken lightly.

Social Pressure

Teens who date at an early age due to peer pressure are more likely to make unsafe decisions. Negative peer relationships may encourage teens to have sex early.

Background

Lastly, those who come from a background of poverty are at an extremely high risk for unexpected pregnancies. Because these individuals can lack access to key resources, they may struggle to deal with issues related to teen pregnancy prevention and risks. [7]

Article written by Brooke Smoke, blogger for Safe Harbor International Ministries

References:

1. https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-teen-pregnancy
2. https://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/about/index.htm
3. https://www.guttmacher.org/news-release/2015/teen-pregnancy-rates-declined-many-countries-between-mid-1990s-and-2011
4. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancy
5. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/08/02/why-is-the-teen-birth-rate-falling/
6. https://www.verywellfamily.com/teen-pregnancy-risk-factors-2611269
7. https://youth.gov/youth-topics/pregnancy-prevention/risk-and-protective-factors