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

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6010 Human Prenatal Development

Prof. Name

Date

Addressing Teen Pregnancy and Postnatal Care

In 2015, the birth of over 229,000 babies to adolescent mothers underscored a pressing issue (Centers for Disease Control, 2005). Among the twenty Independent School Districts (ISDs) in Tarrant County, scant provision for prenatal and postnatal support exists, with only one district offering assistance to student mothers and their infants. The lack of familial support can profoundly impact the quality of prenatal care received by these students and the subsequent health outcomes for their babies. Furthermore, the absence of parenting education leaves young parents ill-equipped to navigate the challenges of infancy. Inadequate awareness of community resources further compounds their struggles during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Teen parents often grapple with the decision to prioritize childcare over education or seek employment to sustain their families. This dilemma exacerbates poverty within their communities and contributes to lower graduation rates. Alarmingly, approximately 65% of adolescents, especially females under 18, receive insufficient prenatal care, primarily due to resource limitations, financial constraints, lack of health insurance, and transportation barriers (Tilghman & Lovette, 2008).

Prenatal care is pivotal in identifying and addressing maternal and fetal health concerns. It aids in averting preterm labor, reducing the risk of low birth weight, and educating mothers on healthy practices during pregnancy (Gennaro et al., 2016). Nonetheless, teenage parenthood poses formidable challenges to child development, impeding cognitive and linguistic skill acquisition, emotional regulation, socialization, and self-control (Urban Child, 2019).

Parenting classes are indispensable for equipping teen parents with requisite childcare skills and developmental monitoring know-how. Covering topics such as prenatal nutrition, infant care techniques, safety protocols, and early childhood milestones, these classes empower young parents (Urban Child, 2019). Moreover, parent education initiatives have been shown to fortify families and curtail the risk of child maltreatment (Parent Education, 2013).

Attainment of a high school diploma or higher education is imperative for enhancing the long-term economic prospects of teen parents and breaking the cycle of poverty. Enhanced education correlates with augmented earning potential and decreased reliance on public assistance programs (Cherry et al., 2015). However, without adequate support, many teen parents perceive educational attainment as unattainable.

Curbing repeat teen pregnancies necessitates a multifaceted strategy encompassing comprehensive sex education, counseling services, and support groups. While aiding teenage parents may inadvertently lead to subsequent births, proactive measures can prevent repeat pregnancies and empower young parents to make informed reproductive health decisions (Preventing Repeat Teen Births, n.d.).

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

The integration of prenatal and postnatal services within school districts can profoundly benefit teen parents and their infants. By furnishing on-site support personnel and essential services, schools ensure that teen parents receive the guidance and resources requisite for a healthy pregnancy and effective parenting. These services include prenatal screenings, parenting classes, childcare facilities, and academic support to facilitate high school completion.

Despite the initial investment required for program implementation, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. By averting repeat pregnancies, diminishing reliance on public assistance, and fostering educational attainment, these initiatives bolster the well-being of teen parents, their offspring, and the community at large.

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.

Tilghman, J., & Lovette, A. (2008). Prenatal Care: The Adolescent’s Perspective. The Journal of perinatal education, 17(2), 50-53.

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