Barriers to Health Care For Teen Pregnancy

Although the rate of teen pregnancy has decreased in the past, it is still a trend that is worrying. With some

sex from 11-12 years, the chances of teen pregnancy increases. With teen pregnancy comes the need for health care. Unfortunately, there are many barriers to health care of teenage pregnancy.

Education is a necessity

One of the obstacles to health care for pregnant adolescents is education. The schools do not educate students about their bodies and how they work. Parents tend to be uncomfortable talking about sex education issues with their teenagers, so any information that the young person can usually get comes from their peers. This is not usually an effective way to collect accurate data.

Financial barriers

Another barrier to health care for teenage pregnancy has returned, or lack of it. Health care is prohibitive for many adults, and even a teenager working parents can have access to health insurance. When a parent has to decide between rent and food or health insurance, medical needs are often overlooked. With access to education on pregnancy, and clinics available for teens who do not have health insurance, there may be an increase in teens looking on medical care for themselves and their child unborn.

With inadequate health insurance and low-income parents, teenagers may face a lack of transport to a medical center. Many two-income families have a car, and no support system to turn to in times of need. Often, health care is not available within a reasonable distance, or not have gas for the second car. Although no transportation available, a parent may not be able to take time off work to take the pregnant teen doctor, provided that the parent is aware of the pregnancy in the first place.

Shame and fear

This brings up another barrier to care for teenage pregnancies. Shame and fear in a teenager can be a powerful motivator for many actions they perform. Ashamed to be pregnant, and afraid of the consequences they may face a parent can influence a young person in many ways. An adaptation skill that results from these feelings are not admitted to pregnancy, even themselves. This, of course, can lead to teenage girls are not getting the health care until it has made significant progress in their pregnancy. This defines the teenager for possible complications in the future for her and her baby.

With the education of parents and teenagers as well as, perhaps we can overcome these barriers to health care of our pregnant teens. Communication for everyone can be a good first step in access to health care for the mother and her unborn child.





How to Health Care For Teen Pregnancy..