Teenage Pregnancy 1

Teenage pregnancy

New Zealand continues to have one of the highest rates
2nd only to the United States when compared with OECD countries
An Overview

Increased risk of Antenatal complications
Increased risk of mortality
Failure to complete schooling
Socio-Economic disadvantage
Maternal Depression
Less competent parenting
Problems In the Young Mums

Higher rates of health problems
Physical injury
Behavioural difficulties
Cognitive problems
Educational under achievement
Problems in the Children

Personal adjustment
Educational opportunities
Cultural Identification
Family experiences
Contribute to their risk of an early pregnancy
Dependent on several factors

Government Initiatives put them alongside drug abuse and crime as issues to be ‘tackled’
Being seen as a ‘bad’ thing
Facing disapproval
Society Attitude

Common problems-Attitude

Apathy
Disinterest
Know it all
Maybe poor school achievers
Short attention span
Attitude

No transport
Who else is coming
Confidentiality
Conflict with other class participants
Too busy
Other excuses

No two way communication
Sessions must be short and engaging
Reading & Writing
Very quiet participants
Drug taking
Class challenges

Less scrutiny from older mums who seem to ‘have it all’
Increased attendance rate
Get away from the stigma
Information in a secure environment
So Why Bother?

Investigating traditional Maori practices
Discussing birthing 3rd stage whilst making clay pot
Making muka strands from flax to tie off the cord
Cultural Awareness

YouTube
DVD
Email
Twitter
Facebook
Chat Rooms
Drop in sessions
Text Messaging
Different Approaches

"Studies show that teen pregnancy drops off significantly after the age of 25“
Ref: Colorado Springs local newspaper (1999)
Final Fact