Teen Pregnancy & Health Risks to the Baby Campaign –
As a Social worker at a health center I would create an effective advertising campaign targeting teens, create a catchy slogan, develop poster and handouts, and also have meetings and fundraisers to bring awareness to the rises of teenage pregnancy and teratogens.
Teenage Pregnancy Risks
Infants born to teenage mothers are at increased risk for a number of health risks. The risks include the premature baby and low birth weight.
Teenage mothers are less likely to gain the required amount of weight during their pregnancy this will cause low birth weight for the baby. Low birth weight is associated with many infant and childhood disorders and a higher rate of infant mortality. Low-birth weight babies are more likely to have organs that are not fully developed; this can result in many complications, brain disorders, respiratory disorders, and intestinal problems.
Teen’s moms also are more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take drugs during pregnancy, which can cause numerous health problems for the baby.
A teratogen is an agent, which can cause a birth defect; it could be a prescribed medication, a street drug. Generally these abnormalities occur in the third to eighth weeks of pregnancy, when the major organs are forming. Examples of teratogens include certain chemicals, medications, and infections or other diseases in the mother.
Children born to teenage mothers are more likely to experience social, emotional, and other problems. These problems may include the following:
Children born to teenage mothers are less likely to receive proper nutrition, health care, and cognitive and social stimulation. As a result, they are at risk for lower academic achievement.