Challenges and life of young pregnant teens in African community.

The challenges of early pregnancy among teenagers are enormous and often overwhelming for real life young girls in African communities. These challenges include lack of adequate medical and psychological care, high risk of maternal and infant mortality, social stigmatization, educational disruption,poverty and low levels of reproductive health knowledge.

In many African countries, teenage pregnancy is due to a lack of access to comprehensive sexuality education, as well as inadequate access to contraception methods and other health services. This is compounded by the fact that parents of teenage girls may be reluctant to provide them with information about contraception and sexual health, as these topics are still considered taboo. As a result, teen girls may not be aware of the risk associated with early pregnancy or the consequences that can result from unprotected intercourse or coercion. This lack of knowledge can lead to pregnancies that lead to physical, psychological and social distress for both mother and baby. 

In addition, in many African communities there is enormous pressure on young girls who have become pregnant to terminate their pregnancies. This pressure is often due to traditional views about pre-marital sex and the fact that families may view an unwed mother or father as bringing shame upon their community. It can also lead to social exclusion from peers or even ostracism from families – making it even more difficult for teenage mothers to access support services they may need during pregnancy. 

The risks associated with early parenthood are exacerbated by the lack of health facilities in some rural areas in Africa meaning less access to antenatal care, which increases the risk of developing complications during pregnancy or delivering a premature baby who may need additional medical intervention after birth. Financial constraints related to poverty also make it difficult for young parents trying to raise children while having limited work opportunities or educational resources available. 

In order for African communities to reduce teenage pregnancy rates, there needs be investment in comprehensive sexuality education that educates young people about their reproductive rights and empowers them through knowledge about safe sexual practices, including access to information on contraception and STI prevention methods. There also needs greater investment into healthcare services which give pregnant teenagers access to quality ante-natal care, safer childbirth options, skilled attendance at birth and post-natal care for both mother and baby.