The Effects Of Teen Pregnancy

769 Words4 Pages
The Effects of Teen Pregnancy Teen pregnancy is one of the many growing problems in America today. It is often defined as pregnancy in a female between the age of 13 and 20 and is usually unintentional. More than likely, the teenage mother has not completed high school, is unmarried, and is still financially dependent upon her parents. A teenage girl can become pregnant for various reasons, but all teenage pregnancies are the result of sexual intercourse; whether voluntary or not. Teenage pregnancy is always a serious matter. Most teens are unprepared and are not mentally, emotionally, or financially ready to take on the responsibilities of becoming a mother. The effects of pregnancy on an adolescent can be intense and long-lasting. They are not only emotional and psychological, they are life long. I myself became a mother at the age of 17 and I can honestly say, it has changed my life forever. Becoming a mother at the age of 17 caused me to mature a lot faster than I would have had I not became pregnant. I went from being a selfish teen who thought of only my own needs, to someone that had to become a responsible caregiver to a small child. My focus was not only about me anymore, but about my child as well. I was forced to make decisions I wasn't ready to make, and to grow up, whether I was ready or not. When I found out that I was pregnant, it had many emotional effects on me. I was scared, panicked, and didn't know what to do. I was afraid to tell my parents because of how they might react. I didn't want to let them down. I was also afraid of what my friends would think of me. I felt very confused, scared, and alone and all of this caused me a great deal of stress. I had so many different thoughts and feelings constantly on my mind, and I didn't want to make the wrong decision for myself, or for my child. Eventually, I had to tell my parents and

More about The Effects Of Teen Pregnancy

Open Document