WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PREGNANCY?

Introduction

• Most teenage pregnancies occur as a result of Premarital sex, Incest, Rape and Sexual abuse.
• These teenagers are not prepared to take care of their unborn.
• They are still schooling and undergoing developmental maturity.
• They must deal with Consequences of teenage pregnancy issues such as:
  • Medical
  • Psychological
  • Social

How do you know if you are pregnant?

Watch for these signs and symptoms :

• Missed periods/menses
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Nausea / vomiting
• Breast pain and enlargement
• Fatigue / lightheadedness
• Abdominal distension
• Urinary tract infection
• Weight changes

How can you confirm your pregnancy?

You may buy a kit from the pharmacy and perform a self-administered :

• Urine Pregnancy Test

See your doctor who can confirm your pregnancy by :

• A urine test
• Abdominal ultrasound

Are there any bad consequences?

YES, indeed there are many and can be classified as follows :

• Medical consequences are :
  • Difficult and prolonged labour due to small pelvic bone.
  • High blood pressure in pregnancy usually occurs in the first pregnancy and can lead to other complications such as heavy bleeding and fit / convulsion.
  • Unsafe abortion.
  • Low birth weight baby.
  • Higher rate of mother and infant death.
• Psychological and social consequences are :
  • Depression and loss of self-confidence.
  • Relationship and emotional problems.
  • Social stigma for unmarried mothers and their children.
  • Limited education.
  • Fewer career and job opportunities.
  • Child Abandonment.

What to do when you are pregnant?

• Go to the nearest doctor or health clinic for antenatal care / checkup. Early antenatal checkup is important to monitor the wellbeing of the mother and the baby.
• For an unmarried teenager, seek help or talk to :
  • Your parents.
  • Teacher.
  • Counselor.
  • Doctor and health care provider.
  • Social welfare officer.
• Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation by keeping your pregnancy a secret or go for an illegal abortion.
• Go to the nearest doctor or health clinic for antenatal care / checkup. Early antenatal checkup is important to monitor the wellbeing of the mother and the baby.

How can you avoid becoming pregnant?

• You can avoid pregnancy by two ways.
  • Abstinence from having sex
  • Using preventive methods
• Abstinence or avoid having sex.
  • You are responsible for your actions and life. Do not let anyone pressure you into having sex
  • There are a lot of good reasons to say “No, not yet”. Protecting your health and also your feelings is one of them. You can always say ‘no’ even if you’ve said “yes” before. (See Assertive skills).
  • Avoid taking alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgement
  • The partner who really loves and respect you will not ask for sex before marriage.
  • Remember that your body is yours.
  • Medical Institute of Sexual Health states:
    • Postponing Sex Is The Only Solution to prevent pregnancy
  • The best way to prevent pregnancy is to SAVE SEX FOR MARRIAGE.
  • This method is scientifically proven and in accordance with religions and cultures.
• If you’re already involved in premarital sex, be aware of the consequences. Use a condom to protect yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections and unwanted pregnancy.
• Using preventive methods :-
  • Use condoms. However condoms are not 100% effective in preventing teenage pregnancy.
  • You can seek further information from medical personal or healthcare providers.
• A married teenager who is not ready to have a baby and start a family should be encouraged to use contraception.

Where can you seek help?

Besides getting antenatal care and further help from the doctor or health clinic you should also discuss your problems with :

• Your parents or relatives
• Your school counselor
• Your school teacher
• The Welfare Officer at the Nearest District Welfare department

Frequently asked questions

• At what age can a girl get pregnant?
  • A girl can get pregnant and have a baby once she has started to have periods.
  • Menstrual period is a sign that a girl has started to ovulate (produce eggs).
  • The average age for girls to have their first menstrual period is between the ages of 9 and 16.
• Can you get pregnant the first time you have sex?
  • Yes.
  • It is important to avoid having sex to prevent teenage pregnancy.
• Is it normal and healthy not to have sex until marriage?
  • Yes, it is the best way to be physically and emotionally healthy.
  • Most religions and cultures prohibit premarital sex.

If you are below 16 years old, having sex is illegal unless you are married.

The Malaysian law states that consensual sex with girls below 16 years old will lead to the male being charged with statutory rape.