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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Pregnancy & Prenatal Care / Teen Pregnancy at a Historic Low

Teen Pregnancy at a Historic Low

December 20, 2011 By Site Admin

A bit of good news indeed!!

In 2010, there were 34.3 births for every 1,000 teens. Representing a 9% drop from 2009, this is lowest rate in the nearly 7 decades records have been kept. Teen birth rates have been declining for the last 3 years.

Data used in the study of teen births was compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC examined nearly all birth certificates from 2010.

While the study did not examine why teen birth rates are at a historic low, many experts credit better sex education in schools for the drop.

Whatever the reason, it’s encouraging to see teen pregnancy on the decline.

The emotional impacts of pregnancy in the teen years are certainly well understood. Parenthood is something not to be taken lightly and being pregnant at 15 years of age is a frightening situation to be in. Does the teen mother know what to do to ensure her baby is healthy? Is she ready for the rigors of motherhood?

Besides these emotional risks, there are certain medical impacts of teen pregnancy.

First of course is potential lack of good prenatal care, especially in the critical early stages. If a teen mother feels alone and isolated due to a lack of support from an adult, they will be more likely to not eat right and not go to their prenatal appointments.

High blood pressure – or pregnancy-induced hypertension – is another health effect. Teen mothers are in fact more likely to experience this effect than mothers in their 20s or 30s. High blood pressure combined with excessive protein in the urine is another common, yet dangerous condition known as preeclampsia.

Pre-mature birth and low birth weights are also higher in teenage pregnancies. Birth before 37 weeks (…standard pregnancy term is 40 weeks) is considered premature. The earlier the infant is born, the greater the risk of respiratory, digestive or cognitive problems. A newborn weight of 3.3-5.5 pounds is considered low.

Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia and HIV are also of special concern to teen mothers. Some STDs in fact do not only affect the mother, but can travel into the uterus and affect the child as well.

Postpartum depression is also higher among teen mothers according to the CDC, which can certainly interfere with taking care of the baby. Girls who are feeling sad after the birth should discuss this with their doctor or midwife.

Even though the risks are greater, there are things teen mothers can do to mitigate the emotional and health effects of being pregnant .

Don’t drink alcohol, smoke or do drugs…get early prenatal care and consider a folic acid vitamin supplement to prevent birth defects. And just as important, seek out emotional support through a parent, trusted adult and midwife. Many of the effects of pregnancy during the teen years can be mitigated by simply having someone there to help guide the way.

Ideally, teen pregnancy shouldn’t happen but it sometimes does. It’s good to see birth rates are at their lowest levels probably ever. Strong families and good education about the realities of sex and parenthood are invaluable tools for ensuring pregnancy occurs when it’s the right time.

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Filed Under: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care, Women's Health Awareness Tagged With: conception, pregnancy care, prenatal care, teen pregnancy

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Being a patient-centered practice goes well beyond seeing patients in our office. We want to help you find important answers before you even step in the door. Our OB/GYN blog helps us accomplish this goal but more importantly, helps women like you better understand your unique health needs. Browse around and learn more about pregnancy, general women’s health, exciting new research and more!

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All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

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