9781422270165

TEEN PREGNANCY

ANGER BULLYING CHRONIC ILLNESS DIVORCE FOOD INSECURITY GRIEF IMMIGRATION SEXUAL ABUSE SOCIAL ISOLATION TEEN PREGNANCY

TEEN PREGNANCY

Hanna Wilson

MASON CREST M I A M I

Mason Crest PO Box 221876, Hollywood, FL 33022 (866) MCP-BOOK (toll-free) • www.masoncrest.com

Copyright © 2024 by Mason Crest, an imprint of National Highlights, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.

First printing 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ISBN (hardback) 978-1-4222-4799-0 ISBN (series) 978-1-4222-4796-9 ISBN (ebook) 978-1-4222-7016-5

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Wilson, Hanna, author. Title: Teen pregnancy / Hanna Wilson. Description: Hollywood, FL : Mason Crest, [2024] | Series: You are not alone | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2023021062 | ISBN 9781422247990 (hardback) | ISBN 9781422270165 (ebook) Subjects: LCSH: Teenage pregnancy--United States--Juvenile literature. | Teenage mothers--United States--Juvenile literature. Classification: LCC HQ759.4 .W56 2024 | DDC 306.874/3--dc23/eng/20230609 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2023021062

Developed and Produced by National Highlights, Inc. Editor: Andrew Luke Production: Crafted Content, LLC (www.craftedcontentllc.com)

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Chapter 1: Pregnancy Prevention.........................07 Chapter 2: Risks of Teen Pregnancy......................21 Chapter 3: Emotional Impact of Teen Pregnancy....33 Chapter 4: Social Life During Teen Pregnancy........47 Chapter 5: Providing for a Newborn......................61 Chapter Notes....................................................74 Further Reading & Internet Resources..................77 Index................................................................. 78 Author Biography, Credits & Educational Video Links. ... 80 KEY ICONS TO LOOK FOR: CONTENTS Words to Understand: These words with their easy-to understand definitions will increase the reader’s understanding of the text while building vocabulary skills. Sidebars: This boxed material within the main text allows readers to build knowledge, gain insights, explore possibilities, and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Testimonial Videos: Readers can view videos by scanning our QR codes, providing them with personal stories from peers that supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions: These questions send the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects: Readers are pointed toward areas of further inquiry connected to each chapter. Suggestions are provided for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis.

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

abstinence: the practice of choosing not to do or have something contraceptive: method of birth control used during sex to prevent unwanted pregnancies sexual intercourse: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person; in terms of pregnancy, it involves a penis being inserted into a vagina

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CHAPTER

PREGNANCY PREVENTION

While we have seen teen pregnancy rates decrease drastically in the United States since the 1990s, it is still something that happens even if young women and their partners use protection during sex. In this chapter, we will discuss why sexual education is so important for teenagers. You may have some information about birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy, but this chapter will provide information on all the options available if you decide to have sex. We’ll also discuss some of the myths that may be misleading about having safe sex and what that means for you. Sexual Education Sexual education for teenagers is essential in preventing pregnancy, understanding how contraception works, and raising awareness about sex in relationships. Sex education can empower teens to make decisions that will positively impact their current and future relationships. Having questions and curiosities about sex is perfectly normal. Many schools in the United States offer sex-ed programs taught by educators that include topics like:

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• Human anatomy, puberty, and sexual orientation • Sexual behaviors and health, including sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, and pregnancy • Relationship dynamics and peer pressure to engage in sexual activities For teens that don’t have access to sexual education programs at school, Planned Parenthood is another useful source that provides education, support, and health care for men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Lastly, if young people have questions or curiosities that aren’t answered at school, it’s important to have a trusted family member or reliable person they can go to. Whether the parents,

Many schools have sexual education programs for middle and high school students. Otherwise, certain groups and organizations in the community can help.

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You Are Not Alone: Teen Pregnancy

an older sibling, cousin, family friend, or neighbor, this trusted person can provide their personal experience, advice, and knowledge. Myths About Teen Pregnancy Myth 1: Only irresponsible teens get pregnant This is untrue, and it can be damaging to teenage girls and women to think this way. Unwanted pregnancies are accidents that can happen to teens even when they use protection. Most forms of birth control have high efficacy rates, but there is still some small room for error. Myth 2: A woman can’t get pregnant while on her period While it is much less likely that a woman could get pregnant during her period, it does happen. If a woman has had sex during her period, the sperm can stay inside the reproductive system for up to five days and fertilize the egg then. Myth 3: Getting pregnant means you can’t finish school It’s important for teenage girls to understand that getting pregnant doesn’t mean their lives are over or that they cannot pursue their dreams because they can’t finish school. Getting pregnant may not be what they planned, but pregnant teens have many options to continue their education and pursue their

goals post-pregnancy. Contraception

Thanks to many different forms of contraception, teen pregnancy is entirely preventable. In the last decade, new contraception and birth control methods have become easier to access for sexually active teenagers that adequately meet their lifestyles and physical needs.

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Chapter 1: Pregnancy Prevention

From birth control pills to condoms, there are multiple ways for teens to prevent pregnancy if they decide to be sexually active.

AVOID PREGNANCY & PROTECT YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH

Some birth control methods do more than prevent unwanted pregnancy; they can also protect both sexual partners against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. By choosing a birth control method that protects both you and your partner, you are making a smart choice for your sexual health.

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You Are Not Alone: Teen Pregnancy

Here are some of the most common types of contraception to prevent teenage pregnancy. Intrauterine Device (IUD) An IUD is a small, plastic device placed inside the uterus by a doctor or health care provider. An IUD stays in the uterus for years at a time; some for three years, others for more than 10 years before they expire and need to be changed. The time period varies depending on the form of the IUD being used. IUDs are one of the most effective kinds of contraceptives ; more than 99 percent of women who use this method in a year never get pregnant. This may be because it’s not a pill that has to be taken every day (which can lead to accidentally skipping pills)

IUDs are more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

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Chapter 1: Pregnancy Prevention

or a condom that can potentially break during sex. Instead, IUDs are a secure way to protect against unwanted pregnancies. IUDs come in two styles: copper-coated and progestin. Copper-coated IUDs prevent the male sperm from fertilizing the egg and can be used as an emergency contraceptive after unprotected sex. Progestin IUDs work to thin the uterine lining, thicken cervical mucus, and can even stop ovulation. All of this is to prevent fertilization and implantation of the egg. Common IUD brands include Paragard and Mirena. It’s important to know that IUDs must be inserted by a doctor or other health care provider at a doctor’s office or local health center. This ensures that the device is inserted correctly and effectively prevents pregnancy for its allotted time frame. Birth Control Implant The birth control implant, known as Nexplanon, is a thin rod inserted into a woman’s arm and can prevent pregnancy for up to five years. The implant is inserted with a small tool to slide it under the skin; it takes less than five minutes, and there is minimal discomfort 1 . Many women choose the implant for birth control because it’s more than 99 percent effective, and they don’t have to remember to take a pill every day or use pregnancy prevention during sex. It should be noted that the implant, IUD, and other forms of hormonal birth control do not prevent sexually transmitted infections that can be passed through sexual intercourse . Condoms are the most effective method of preventing catching sexually transmitted infections or diseases. Once the implant is inserted, and a doctor has confirmed it’s in place, it is typically safe to resume sexual activity without fear of pregnancy after five days to a week. A common side effect from the implant is usually light spotting for several months as the body adjusts to the hormones.

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You Are Not Alone: Teen Pregnancy

Nexplanon users get a plastic card that contains the date the rod is implanted. It needs to be replaced every five years.

In addition, many women experience lighter periods with the implant, and some no longer get a period at all. These are both normal side effects and should not be cause for concern. Birth Control Pills Birth control pills are medications with hormones that prevent pregnancy, reduce uncomfortable menstrual symptoms, improve hormonal acne, and much more. These types of pills work to safely stop ovulation in the female body; they can also prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg. Birth control pills are taken once a day by mouth and typically come in a one-month pack. When taken correctly, birth control pills can be as high as 99 percent effective. However, many struggle to remember to take the pill every day at the same time, reducing its efficacy to around 93 percent 2 .

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Chapter 1: Pregnancy Prevention

Birth control pills work well, but only if the teen remembers to take one every day.

Some women experience uncomfortable side effects when starting the pill. These include sore breasts, headaches, spotting, and changes in their period. For the most part, these go away as the body grows accustomed to the new hormones and levels out. Once a teen stops taking the pill, pregnancy is possible almost right away. It’s crucial to use another birth control method (like condoms) when stopping the pill to continue to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Condoms Condoms are one of the most common and effective birth control methods available. When used correctly during sex, condoms offer protection against pregnancy, effective up to 98 percent 3 .

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You Are Not Alone: Teen Pregnancy

For men, condoms are a barrier method of protection, made from a thin latex material, and are worn over the penis during sex. They’re designed to prevent semen from entering a partner’s body and can also prevent many sexually transmitted infections during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Condoms are easy to put on, but they can slide off or tear during sex. Therefore, it’s important for both partners to pay attention while using a condom to ensure it’s on properly and is not damaged. If a condom falls off or tears during sex, pregnancy is possible, especially if it’s the only form of birth control being used. Condoms can be accessed for free at health centers, clinics, and doctor’s offices or purchased at most supermarkets or drugstores. Condoms are used one time and then disposed of after sex. They do have an expiration date to offer maximum effectiveness for all types of sexual contact.

Condoms are an inexpensive birth control method that also offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.

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Chapter 1: Pregnancy Prevention

Abstinence Some teens choose not to have sex at all; this is called abstinence . Whether for personal, health, or religious reasons, abstinence is 100 percent effective when it’s followed strictly. In the 15-to 17-year-old age group, 69 percent of boys and 72 percent of girls have not had sexual intercourse 4 . Instead, some choose to engage in other sexual activities, like oral sex, while avoiding intercourse. Choosing to abstain from sexual intercourse or any other sexual activity is a personal choice. However, it should be respected and supported by a teen’s boyfriend, girlfriend, or group of friends. Plan B Plan B is an emergency contraceptive used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or if the contraception method used during sex did not work. Commonly known as the “morning-after pill,” Plan B is a safe method of birth control for teenage girls and women. It is a tablet that is swallowed and is most effective when taken within three to five days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex. In this time frame, Plan B can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 89 percent. 5 While Plan B is an effective method of preventing pregnancy, it is not designed to be used as a primary type of birth control or every time a person has intercourse. Instead, using the recommended methods of birth control listed above, including condoms, IUDs, or daily birth control pills, is the most effective way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. How Does Plan B Work? Plan B and other morning-after pills contain the hormone levonorgestrel, 6 which “prevents the release of an egg from

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You Are Not Alone: Teen Pregnancy