Teen Pregnacy, A Plague Sweeping the Nation

Katheryn

Calkin

Advanced English II

21 February 2013

Teen Pregnancy, A Plague Sweeping the Nation.

　(Photo Credit: Micheals, Duane. TIME Magazine. December 9th, 1985. )

Just like the picture above, children are having children and along with that comes the risks a pregnancy can cause. These risks are apparent all over Cheatham County as you read this paper, pregnant girls walk around the halls, while we can't necessarily stop them from having sex and getting pregnant, we can at least discuss the common risks associated with adolescent pregnancy and hope they go for the better. Common risks include premature birth, complications due to age, the complications after premature birth. In this paper I will also discuss the alternative options to hopefully and eventually eradicate the teen pregnancy rate.

In the United States 3 out of 10 teen girls will become pregnant before the turn 20 years old. That's almost 750,000 teenage girls a year. (Teen Pregnancy. para. 1-2) A problem associated with this is we never discuss it with our children and it is slapped all over our media like we expect our child to get pregnant or get someone pregnant. We see it in movies, news, and MTV's recently ended reality show "16 and Pregnant". How can we not cover our children's eyes and hinder their possibly impending doom of bearing a child before bearing a high school diploma? Teen girls drop out of high school for numerous reasons. For example, to support the family, take care of the siblings, they just don't want to go, or they get pregnant. Less than 50% of teen girls will complete high school after giving birth, while only 2% will complete college. While 50% of mothers and their children are likely to repeat a grade. (Teen Pregnancy 1. Para. 4-6) Almost a quarter of the teen pregnancies will result in another pregnancy two years down the road. While 8 out of 10 fathers will not marry the mother of their child and will pay less than $800 a month for child support because they themselves are poor or have insufficient income earnings. (Teen Pregnancy 1. Para. 7) In 2008 alone 68 girls per 1,000, aged 15-19, became pregnant. However, it has steadily declined from 117 per 1,000 in the 1990s. Fewer babies were born to teens in 2010 since 1946. (Teen Pregnancy: The Facts. Para. 2-3) Unfortunately, that rate is still higher than any other developed countries like Germany, Brazil, China, and the U.K. (Teen Pregnancy: The Facts. Para. 4.) The risks can be daunting, Teens are 5 times more likely to have complications than woman a decade older than them. These risks include High Blood Pressure, Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, Preeclampsia, Premature Birth, and some other minor complications such as morning sickness and feet swelling. (Teen Pregnancy: The Facts. Para. 9-10.)

　

Premature birth is a high risk factor for young girls because their bodies may not be able to carry a baby to full term. Girls younger than 16 are more likely to give birth prematurely than girls who are 25. Problems associated with premature birth can include low birth weight, cognitive abilities may be hindered, in other words, mental retardation, bleeding into or of the brain, blindness, pulmonary Hemorrhaging, Neonatal Sepsis, or infection of the spine, Jaundice, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, languo, which is excess body hair, and many other complications. (Lee, M.D. 2011.) Problems due to prematurity itself can include less activity and more sleeping, feed problems, soft ear cartilage, and thin, saran wrap like skin that is often red and transparent. (Lee, M.D. 2011.) Common Tests performed on preemies include blood oxygen levels, chest x-rays, and around the clock cardiorespitory monitoring. (Lee, M.D. 2011.) Upon birth the babies are placed in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) either under warmers or incubators. If the baby is born before 34 weeks gestation, it can not coordinate suckling and breathing, thus a soft, flexible feeding tube is put in through the nose or mouth to the stomach. Premature babies can have an array of machines helping them learn to breathe on their own. These machines can include a CPAP, Trachea tube, nasal prongs, or an oxygen hood. (Lee, M.D. 2011.)

　

In 2003 and 2005, 14.5% of Teen Mothers gave birth prematurely, compared to the 11.9% of mothers aged between 20 and 29. (Coila. 2010.) A study in the U.K. showed that 3,600 teen mothers lived in socially deprived areas. (Coila. 2010.) "It is also possible that the increased risk of poor pregnancy outcome in the second teenage pregnancy is related to the numerous complicating factors such as a greater social deprivation and less prenatal care." (Dr. Ali Khanshan. U of College Cork.) It is shown that 180,000 teens lose babies through miscarriage, still birth, or neonatal death, while 400,000 abortions happen per year. Yet, 38,000 babies will die before their first birthday due to health problems, lack of prenatal care, or low socioeconomical status. (Simpson. pg. 87.) A teen mother with a baby born before term may feel the stress and emotional turmoils. These include being sad, worried, scared, or they may feel as if they failed as a mother, and so scared they may sometimes abandon the baby or give it up for adoption.

　

There are such things to prevent this from happening, such as birth control or condoms, even abstinence. Birth control uses a system of chemicals that confuse your hormones into being pregnant, while in reality, you're not. Thus, little or no monthly gift from Mother Nature. While birth control is effective, it isn't permanent, if you forget to take the pill, you may end up pregnant. Condoms are an option most people look to when it comes to pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted disease transference protection. However, condoms are made of a rubber, and like a balloon popping, a condom can break. Abstinence is the best option to stay away from diseases and pregnancies. Some teen girls choose to stay abstinent until they are in a well off point in their life.

　

"-Imagine what a difference America could make--and what a different America we would have--if we could cut the teen pregnancy rate in half." (President Clinton. State of the Union. 1996.) In conclusion, Teen pregnancy can be reduced if we limit the programs, movies, and media our teens are exposed to, teach them about sexual intercourse, and ways to stay safe during sex. On the other hand, if we teach them about the risks of pregnancy, we can also reduce the prematurity rate and neonatal by at least 25% in my opinion. Teen pregnancy is a serious issue that most people keep quiet. Yet, the risks are something to speak out loudly. It floats around in our hallways in Cheatham County Central High School, I just feel it was about time someone addressed it.

　

Work Cited Page:

Simpson, Carolyn. Coping With An Unplanned Pregnancy.

New York City. 1990.

Coila, Bridget. Health Risks for Pregnant Teens.

2010. URL: http://www.livestrong.come/article/135656-health-risks-pregnant-teens/#ix222k4QXW4u5


Teen Pregnancy: Consider The Options. URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen-pregnancy/MY00820/NSECTIONGROUP=2




Lee, Kimberly G. M.D., MSC, IBCLC, APP of Pediatrics, Neonatalogy, MU of SC.

2011. Charlston, S.C. URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001562.htm


Teen Pregnancy. URL: http://www.teenpregnancy.com/


Teen Pregnancy: The Facts. URL: http://www.webmd.com/teen-pregnancy-medical-risks-and-realities


Teen Pregnancy. URL: http://www.stayteen.org/teen-pregnancy

Thesis Paper, Oh My!

Today in Advanced English 2, we deviled into the vast unknown of Thesis Papers. Once most of us had decided on a topic in group discussions, we shared it with the class. My topic you may wonder?
The Effects of Prematurity in Teen Pregnancy. So, hopefully in the next week or so, I may have my Thesis posted to the entire world, because well, I don't think it should be a huge issue. I decided on the topic when I realized the reality of My High School. With multiple girls pregnant, and many having pregnancy scares, I knew it was an issue to address. I also decided to address on of the common problems with young mothers -- Preterm Labor. The basic idea is that I'm going to write a little about each topic and show how they can be linked.
--- I guess it can be a good study for becoming a Neonatal Nurse.
Off to study even more! :D

Thesis Paper, Oh My!

Today in Advanced English 2, we develed into the vast unknown of Thesis Papers. Once most of us had decided on a topic in group discussions, we shared it with the class. My topic you may wonder?
The Effects of Prematurity in Teen Pregnancy. So, hopefully in the next week or so, I may have my Thesis posted to the entire world, because well, I don't think it should be a huge issue. I decided on the topic when I realized the reality of My High School. With multiple girls pregnant, and many having pregnancy scares, I knew it was an issue to address. I also decided to address on of the common problems with young mothers -- Preterm Labor. The basic idea is that I'm going to write a little about each topic and show how they can be linked.
--- I guess it can be a good study for becoming a Neonatal Nurse.
Off to study even more! :D

Late Night Posts -- Something Quick

Its Late. My Computer is almost dead. I created a facebook page for my knitting project. My cat is all warm and asleep on top of my cold little toes. I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

Little Hats for Little Heads from Big Hearts

When I was born on January 7th, 1996, my parents weren't fully prepared for my arrival. They had yet to even have a baby shower. You see, I was born 13 weeks prematurely. I weighed 2lbs and 6 3/4 oz. At the time, NICUs were still developing and are always developing with the advances in Technology. In the recent few months, I have seen a few projects that have been circled around making little hand-knitted hats, socks, and blankets for Preemies in the NICU. My grandmother is very much a better knitter than I am, but, I'm willing to learn. This is where "Little Hats for Little Heads from Big Hearts" comes in. It was for the most part, my grandmother's idea, to knit little hats for the Preemies in my area. I have visited the NICU I was accepted into when I was born. I've gone in and played the flute for them. I feel that maybe, instead if going in and playing the flute one day, I take all these little hand knitted hats around to the various NICUs in Nashville. Nashville General, Baptist, and Vanderbilt are the big three, with Vanderbilt boasting two NICUs, one of them being the best one for the southeast region.
I have made a life changing decision after I walked into Senior High Mid-State Auditions and immediately realized the probability of becoming a Professional Flute Player might be slightly slim. I realized that I want to be a NICU Nurse and somehow, still play the flute.... possibly in the NICU?
When I told my friends at UT Martin Honor Band last week that I wanted to become a Nurse, they looked at me and asked "What about you wanting to be in a Symphony?"
"I could, but it is so hard" I replied.
My Band director looked at me from across the table, "Hmm, well, I would have to say the Nursing option would be better...."
"Yeah, that's what I thought, however, I can still possibly work out something to do with music" I replied smiling with full confidence.

All in all, I am going to knit hats for Preemies and donate them to various NICUs with a little card boasting my name, my premature story, a picture of me playing the flute, and a little encouraging note I wrote once for Parents waiting every anxious moment for their child, here it is below:

This is for you, Dear Parent.
You wait in a silent prayer, know that God watches over you little bundle of joy. While they are small and shocking to imagine and may not be as planned. Just focus. Focus on the Positive. Focus on the Future you and your child will have. Birthday Parties, Teddy Bears, Monsters under the Bed, Blanket Forts, Baseball or Hair bows, Soccer Practice, Violin Lessons, Ballet Recitals, High School Graduations, Report Cards, Drivers License, their First Fender Bender, and eventually, after all your worry and fear, they will bring home your little Grandchild. You'll wonder why I've made such a long spill, but here's why.
I am a NICU Graduate. I was once like your child and my parents were once like you. So, this is for you, Dear Parents.
With Love,
A NICU Graduate.

-- Katheryn

Tired, Pained, but Happy --- Oh, Something Dirty

As I said in the last post "About To Run" , I had a Back-to-Back Band Competition day. I'm still recovering from that. I have a knee problem called Patellar Tendonitis, which is a weakness of the tedon connecting the knee cap to the shin bone. I thought that the two comps would tear my knee apart, and I was halfway right. Although I didn't realize how tired my knees and ankles were until I went to bed at 10:30 pm that night. Today at school I had compressed my left knee (the one with patellar tendonitis) with a compression wrap and my right knee had a simple Ace Brand knee brace.

I was happy to go home after the competitions and be greeted by my fuzz ball of a kitten Nahla. I felt simple relief when she laid down on top of my back, I knew I was home and I could rest.

This morning, I went into the band room for my 3rd period general music class and fixed any of the cheap metal hangers on the uniform racks. My band director came up to me and told me that today's practice was cancelled and I was relieved. As musch as I love Band Practice, I just didn't feel like practicing today.

"I had to motivate myself to get out of bed this morning" - My Band Director.

Oh, something dirty... Well, have you heard of the show on A&E called Hoarders?

Well, everytime I watch I go and clean something, makes me know theres nothing dirty... so, maybe my life won't turn into a situation that has been portrayed so many times before on the show...

I'm still tired and worn from Band... maybe I'll be more motivated to blog about it later in the week...

Blog #3 - About To Run

Tomorrow is the first of Two days of Marching Band Competitons. I have two in one day tomorrow, but right now I feel like Poo.... :(

I'm actually kind of excited and maybe listening to little bit of "Hakuna Matata" will help me get through the day tomrrow. I've made a playlist especially for the bus ride to the competitons tomorrow. Competitions are really competitive, but all the while, fun and exciting. You get to meet people from other bands and the crowds there will cheer for you even if you're competing against their child's band.

"The people in the stands are there to hear the bands, they don't care about football!" - My Band Director at practice yesterday. This year's show is an "Earth Wind & Fire" Show. The selections include a "Rock That!" and "September" medley, alongside "Fantasy" and "In The Stone". I feel prepared, I'm just hoping I don't trip, or my knee gives out on the Second Competition in "In The Stone".

So, in lieu of having to report to my High School early tomorrow morning, I leave you with some Marching Band Quotes.

"Marching band today isn't your grandmother or grandfather's marching band where the band walked out onto the field, stopped and played a couple of songs and walked off the field. These students are moving thousands of steps at high tempos all the while playing an instrument or using a piece of color guard equipment during one show."
     - John Mashburn
"Breath in the music and breath out your performance"
     - Unknown
"Rehearse the same way you plan to perform, that way when you perform its just like rehersal."
    - Unknown