PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 3 Topical Expert Presentation / Teen Pregnancy Postnatal

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6010 Human Prenatal Development

Prof. Name:

Date

Teen Pregnancy Postnatal

In 2015, more than 229,000 babies were born to adolescent mothers (Centers for Disease Control, 2005). Among the twenty Independent School Districts (ISDs) in Tarrant County, only one currently offers support for prenatal and postnatal care to students and their infants. The lack of support from caregivers at home can significantly affect the prenatal care received by these students and the subsequent health outcomes for their babies. Additionally, the absence of parenting classes leaves teen parents unprepared to face the challenges of raising an infant. Without access to information about community resources, these young parents may struggle to find support during pregnancy and the early months of their child’s life.

Teenage parents often confront the difficult choice of either dropping out of school to care for their child or seeking employment to support their family. This situation exacerbates poverty within their communities and contributes to lower graduation rates. Adolescents, particularly females under 18, are disproportionately affected by inadequate prenatal care, with approximately 65% not receiving care during the first trimester (Centers for Disease Control, 2005). Factors such as limited resources, financial constraints, lack of health insurance, and transportation barriers contribute to this disparity (Tilghman & Lovette, 2008).

Prenatal care is essential for identifying and addressing maternal and fetal health issues. It can help reduce the risk of preterm labor, lower the likelihood of low birth weight, and educate mothers on healthy practices during pregnancy (Gennaro et al., 2016). However, teenage parenthood presents significant challenges to child development, including difficulties in acquiring cognitive and language skills, emotional regulation, socialization, and self-control (Urban Child, 2019).

PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 3 Topical Expert Presentation / Teen Pregnancy Postnatal

Parenting classes are crucial for equipping teen parents with the skills necessary to care for their infants and monitor their development. These classes cover topics such as nutrition during pregnancy, infant care practices, safety measures, and early childhood development milestones (Urban Child, 2019). Furthermore, parent education programs have been shown to strengthen families and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect (Parent Education, 2013).

Achieving a high school diploma or pursuing further education is vital for improving the long-term economic prospects of teen parents and breaking the cycle of poverty. Higher levels of education are linked to increased earning potential and decreased reliance on public assistance programs (Cherry et al., 2015). However, without adequate support, many teen parents may view completing their education as an unattainable goal.

Addressing repeat teen pregnancies requires a comprehensive approach that includes thorough sex education, counseling services, and support groups. While providing assistance to teenage parents may inadvertently lead to additional births, proactive measures can help prevent repeat pregnancies and empower young parents to make informed decisions about their reproductive health (Preventing Repeat Teen Births, n.d.).

PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 3 Topical Expert Presentation / Teen Pregnancy Postnatal

Implementing prenatal and postnatal services within school districts can greatly benefit teen parents and their infants. By providing onsite support personnel and essential services, schools can ensure that teen parents receive the guidance and resources necessary for a healthy pregnancy and child-rearing. These services may include prenatal screenings, parenting classes, childcare facilities, and academic support to facilitate high school completion.

Despite the initial investment required to establish these programs, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. By preventing repeat pregnancies, reducing reliance on public assistance, and promoting educational attainment, these initiatives contribute to the overall well-being of teen parents, their children, and the community as a whole.

References

Centers for Disease Control/National Center for Health Statistics. (2005). Prenatal care: US/State, 2002–2004 [Table]. Retrieved from http://209.217.72.34/HDAA/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportID=225

Cherry, C. O., Chumbler, N., Bute, J., & Huff, A. (2015). Building a “better life”: The transformative effects of adolescent pregnancy and parenting. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244015571638

Gennaro, S., Melnyk, B. M., O’Connor, C., Gibeau, A. M., & Nadel, E. (2016). Improving prenatal care for minority women. MCN. The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 41(3), 147-153.

Parent Education to Strengthen Families and Reduce the Risk of Maltreatment. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/

Preventing Repeat Teen Births | VitalSigns | CDC. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/teenpregnancy/index.html