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Published May 16, 2008 04:38 pm - Did you know that in the United States three out of 10 girls become pregnant before age 20 and more than one-third of all pregnant teens are 17 or younger? The high costs of teenage pregnancies BABY NET By SHELIA CATLETT, MSN, RN, ARNP, IBCLC, Baby Net Coalition For the Daily Times GLASGOW — Did you know that in the United States three out of 10 girls become pregnant before age 20 and more than one-third of all pregnant teens are 17 or younger?
In 2004, U.S. taxpayers spent $9.1 billion to cover the costs of pregnancy and childbirth to teen mothers. Kentucky’s share of that cost was $148 million. However, as startling as these figures are to all of us — teen pregnancy has an even greater impact. Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to come early and weigh less than babies born to mothers over age 20. Babies born early and those of low birth weight have an increased risk of dying during the first year of life, compared to full-term babies. Pre-mature babies may also have the risk of blindness, deafness, chronic lung problems, mental retardation and many other problems that could last a lifetime. Even babies born a “little” too soon – called late pre-term babies – can have problems. These babies may have poor feeding and breathing issues, poor temperature control, a higher risk for jaundice and a brain that is one-third less developed and smaller than a full-term baby’s brain. Parenthood is the leading cause given by teen girls for dropping out of school. Less than half will complete high school. Teens are less likely to get the education they need to support themselves and their child. Fifty-two percent of all mothers on welfare gave birth as a teen. Eighty percent of fathers to children born to teen mothers do not marry the mother. Fathers often live in poverty and pay less than $800 a year in child support. Children of teen parents are more likely to be abused or neglected and the sons of teen mothers are twice as likely to end up in prison. What can we do? Dollars spent for prevention programs have been successful, but more work is needed. The most successful programs have been those that support communities and individuals who help teens choose to delay having sex or to use safer sexual behaviors to be personally responsible. We can help by being aware and supporting the programs that work to prevent teen pregnancy. Contact the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy at www.teenpregnancy.org or call 202-478-8500. Visit www.babynetky.com 
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