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Adolescent Pregnancy and Early Parenting
Book chapter

Adolescent Pregnancy and Early Parenting

Christian Borg Xuereb, Rita Borg Xuereb and Julie Jomeen
Perspectives on Midwifery and Parenthood, pp.95-105
Springer International Publishing
01/2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17285-4_8

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Abstract

Adolescent Challenges Early parenting Midwives Pregnancy
Childbearing during adolescence has considerable social, economic and health-related consequences for parents, their infants and society. The number of adolescents 10–19 years of age is approximately 18% (1.25 billion) of the world population with variations between regions ranging from 12% in high-income countries to 23% in low-income countries. Although adolescent pregnancies seem to be declining in some countries, unplanned adolescent pregnancy and parenting continue to be of significant concern for public health and social policy in many countries. Midwives and health professionals need to be mindful of the considerable social, emotional, economic and potential health-related consequences for the adolescent mothers and their infants. Health professionals must also be respectful and culturally sensitive on how they can provide optimal and compassionate care to this cohort. Midwives are in a frontline position to educate adolescents as well as young parents about contraceptive care to prevent further pregnancies calling the need for midwifery and nursing curricula to prepare health professionals to address adolescent health and development, to support pregnant adolescents and introduce future preventive strategies, through education about fertility control, contraceptives and parental responsibilities. The chapter focuses on adolescent pregnancy, early parenting and how public health and social services could support and empower parents to achieve long-term socio-economic stability, ensure a healthy start to their children’s lives and enhance their parenting role.

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