Family Life Education I: Teenage Pregnancy – JSS3 Basic Science Lesson Note (Third Term)

Teenage pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs in a young woman between the ages of ten and nineteen, whether or not she is married or legally an adult.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define teenage pregnancy;
2. state the causes of teenage pregnancy;
3. explain the health, social and economic, and emotional implications of teenage pregnancy;
4. list the signs of pregnancy and the care needed during pregnancy;
5. state ways of preventing teenage pregnancy;
6. distinguish between myths and facts about pregnancy.

How does pregnancy begin?

Pregnancy begins when a sperm from a male fertilises an ovum (egg) from a female.

1. A sperm meets an ovum inside the female body.
2. The two join in a process called fertilisation.
3. The fertilised ovum is called a zygote.
4. The zygote settles in the womb and grows into a baby.

• Risk: any act of sex, including the first one, can lead to pregnancy.
• Length: a normal pregnancy lasts about nine months.

What are the causes of teenage pregnancy?

Teenage pregnancy is caused by social, economic and personal factors.

• Societal beliefs: early marriage and traditional gender roles, common in some traditional rural communities.
• Lack of sex education: sex education is kept away from young people at school, at home and elsewhere.
• Contraceptive failure: not using contraceptives, or using methods with a high failure rate.
• Drugs and alcohol: they weaken judgement and may lead to unwanted sexual activity.
• Poverty: some girls accept gifts or money in exchange for sex.
• Peer pressure: friends push young people into early sexual activity.
• Lack of parental guidance: teenagers who receive little care or advice at home are more at risk.

What are the signs of pregnancy?

The first sign of pregnancy is usually a missed period.

• Missed period: the monthly period does not come at the expected time.
• Nausea: some women feel sick or vomit, often in the morning.
• Tiredness: the girl feels weak and sleepy.
• Breast changes: the breasts become tender or swollen.
• Frequent urination: she passes urine more often than usual.

• Note: these signs can have other causes, so only a pregnancy test and a health worker can confirm pregnancy.

What are the implications of teenage pregnancy?

The implications of teenage pregnancy are the health, social and economic, and emotional effects on the girl and her baby.

Health implications

• Pregnancy-induced hypertension: high blood pressure that can cause heart failure and the death of both mother and child.
• Anaemia: a lack of iron and other nutrients in the blood, which reduces the chance of survival and may lead to excessive bleeding.
• Premature labour: the baby is born too early.
• Infections and injuries: the genital organs may be infected or damaged.
• Incomplete abortion: part of the pregnancy remains in the womb and causes bleeding and infection.
• Unsafe abortion: it is carried out by untrained and unqualified health care providers and can kill.

Social and economic implications

• Termination of education: the girl may drop out of school.
• Disruption of life plans: career goals are delayed or lost.
• Early and forced marriage: some girls are married off because of the pregnancy.
• Low self-esteem: the girl may feel ashamed or rejected.
• Poverty: few job opportunities lead to low income.

Emotional or psychological implications

• Loneliness and depression: the girl may be avoided by friends and family.
• Guilt and fear: she may fear her parents, the community and childbirth.
• Emotional imbalance: she loses her childhood and must adapt quickly to adult duties.

How can teenage pregnancy be prevented?

Teenage pregnancy is best prevented by abstaining from sex and by receiving correct information.

• Abstinence: avoid sex until you are mature and ready for its responsibilities.
• Sex education: learn the facts at school, at home and from health workers.
• Talk to parents or a trusted adult: ask for advice and guidance.
• Resist peer pressure: learn to say no to unwanted sex.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol: they reduce your ability to make safe choices.
• Avoid risky places and situations: do not accept gifts or favours that lead to sex.
• Report abuse: tell a trusted adult if anyone forces you into sex.

What care is needed during pregnancy?

A pregnant girl needs early medical care, good food, rest and support.

1. Go for a pregnancy test immediately when a period is missed.
2. Talk with someone you trust.
3. Enrol for ante-natal care check-ups with a medical provider.
4. Follow the ante-natal care instructions, including taking the drugs recommended by the medical provider.
5. Eat nourishing food rich in protein, calcium, folic acid, iodine and iron.
6. Get adequate rest.
7. Avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.

What are myths and facts about pregnancy?

A myth is something people believe that is not true in reality.

A fact is something that is true and can be proved.

What are the myths about pregnancy?

What are the facts about pregnancy?

1. Heavy items: pregnant women should not carry heavy items.
2. Bleeding: some women bleed even though they are pregnant, and should report it to a health worker.
3. Alcohol: pregnant women should not drink alcohol.
4. Cat litter: pregnant women should not change cat litter, because it may carry harmful germs.
5. First-time sex: it can lead to pregnancy.

Evaluation

1. Define teenage pregnancy.
2. State four causes of teenage pregnancy.
3. State three social and economic implications of teenage pregnancy.
4. What is the difference between a myth and a fact?
5. Which of these is not a health implication of teenage pregnancy? A. induced hypertension B. premature labour C. incomplete abortion D. loss of weight.

Assignment

Write down: (a) four facts about pregnancy, (b) four cares needed during pregnancy, and (c) four myths about pregnancy.