The World Health Organization (WHO) defines teenage pregnancy as a teenaged or underaged girl (within the ages of 15–19) becoming pregnant.
However, in Malaysia, the term teenage pregnancy often refers to unmarried adolescent girls who become pregnant. In many cultures and communities, including Malaysia, this carries a social stigma.
Pregnant teenagers also face many additional obstetric, medical and social issues compared to women who give birth in their 20s and 30s.
Complications during pregnancy and delivery are the leading causes of death for girls aged 15-19 in developing countries; they have a higher risk of anaemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension; and they are twice as likely to die in childbirth compared to women in their 20s.
Approximately 25% are more likely to have a low birth weight baby, which may consequently lead to lower intelligence and reduced academic performance at school when the baby grows up.
Moreover, children born to parents who aren’t mentally, emotionally and economically prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood are faced with the risk of abuse, neglect and failure at school. These children are also more likely to engage in criminal behaviour later on in life.
In Malaysia, unsafe abortions, abandoned babies and the welfare of adopted children are becoming rising concerns.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia in 2011 recorded in its facilities 18,652 births by girls the age of 10-19, out of whom more than 30% were not married.
Factors that may contribute to this problem include:
• Lack of education and information about reproductive and sexual health.
• Lack of knowledge on ways to prevent pregnancy.
• Adolescent sexual behaviour or curiosity.
• Socio-economic factors (poverty, lack of familial support/guidance).
• Certain customs and traditions.
For most children, their parents are the most influential figures in their life. However, many parents lack the knowledge to guide their children through this phase.
Parents need to equip themselves with the appropriate parenting skills:
• Be an approachable parent, one your child is comfortable talking to, be it to express feelings, share opinions or just ask questions.
• Establish rules (i.e. dating rules), curfews and standards of expected behaviour, preferably through an open process of family discussion and respectful communication.
• Explain the values, be it cultural or religious, that you have towards teenage pregnancy. It’s important to give your teen freedom, but equally important is to ensure they know not to overstep their boundaries.
• Strive for a relationship with your teen that is affectionate, firm in discipline, and rich in communication, and one that emphasizes mutual trust and respect.
• Help teens plan for the future. The chances of teen pregnancy are significantly reduced if they have a professional ambition they wish to pursue.
Although the main focus is on preventing teenage pregnancies, when they do occur, parental support is crucial. Unmarried teenage mothers should not be made to feel isolated, nor should they be shunned from society, much less one’s own family.
The well-being of the mother and her innocent child should be the foremost priority.
If you are an unmarried pregnant teenage mother, think and rethink. Don’t act in haste or be irresponsible.
There are many people who can help you get through this. Reach out to counsellors, community leaders, religious counsellors/guides, NGOs, welfare agencies, government bodies, or even other adults from your family that you think might be able to help.
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