The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the western world with approximately 1 million adolescents becoming pregnant every year.II. Teenage mothers tend to have insufficient prenatal care.A. Mothers and unborn children suffer from malnutrition.1. lack of information2. lack of moneyB. Teenagers tend to slack on prenatal doctor's visits1. less screening for potential problems.2. less preparation and counseling C. Mothers do not received counseling on the actual birthing process.D. Important information on appropriate behavior for the mother is not received.1. smoking2. drinking3. drugsIII. Decreased prenatal care has many negative effects on children.A. Babies born to women under the age of twenty are more likely to die in the first year after birth.B. The infant mortality rate of babies born to teen mothers is 9.7 deaths per 1000 live births.C. Diminished care can result in future developmental delays1. cognitive2. socialIV. Many problems arise when teenagers raise babies.A. The Majority of teen moms are unmarried and undereducated.1. lower incomea. lack of nutritionb. difficulty obtaining childcarec. decreased options of continuing education2. high rates of povertya. unsafe feelingb. low self esteemc. low self efficiency3. None or limited paternal involvementa. negatively affects babyb. minimal emotional support for mother1. decreases degree of maternal role satisfaction2. lowers self esteemB. Teenagers often lack experience.1. less verbal 2. less responsive to child's needsa. cognitiveb. emotionalc. motorC. Teenagers are dealing with many issues of their own.1. loss of own childhood2. possible loss of friends and social support3. dealing with their child's behavior4. learning how to discipline their child5. taking on responsibilityV. Many support programs are developed to assist teenage mothersA. Success of community service programs.1. Services are offered free of charge or at minimal costs based on income2. Pro...
