Being a teenage mom is lot of responsibility – physically, psychologically, economically and of course, even morally. Even if you did want to weigh the positives and negatives of teenage pregnancy, it would seem more like a bad idea than a good one.

Let’s try weighing the good with the bad.

Advantages

These are some factors that could be seen as advantages of being a teenage mom:

• If you become a teenage mum or someone you know becomes a teenage mum, you will learn responsibility really quickly.
• You will be responsible for another person – taking care of that person’s needs – monetarily, emotionally, physically.
• You will be young parents and might be able to relate better to your child when he or she grows up.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages far outweigh the advantages of becoming a teenage mum. Some of the main cons of being a teenage mum are:

• You are too young to have a baby. You might be able to conceive a baby but this does not mean that your body is completely ready to endure the process of childbirth and child-rearing.
• You are also emotionally not ready for a child. You might find yourself being confused about being a teenager (with your parents) and a parent (with your baby). You might not have the emotional capacity to deal with this.
• You, as a teenager, may also not have considered the implication of being a single parent. It will be a lifelong responsibility.
• You will become susceptible to possible complications during and after the pregnancy. Sudden Infant death (SIDS), premature birth, and low birth weight babies are all very common during teenage pregnancies.
• You will most likely give up your education. A very miniscule number of teenage mums actually complete college or get a college degree. An even smaller number of teenage mom’s go ahead and complete their high school diploma.
• A lack of education puts you at a disadvantage when taking care of your child to the best of your ability. Not being able to complete your education will ensure that you only get low-paying jobs all through your working life.
• Without the possibility of a good income, you are almost certainly going to be dependent on welfare schemes.
• You will also notice the lack of a social life once you get pregnant and have a baby.

There is no real upside to becoming a teenage parent. There are many disadvantages including personal and social repercussions. The United States has one of the highest incidences of teenage pregnancies. The US also has a high rate of abortions and a lot of stigma attached to abortion as teenagers. It is therefore important for teenagers to educate themselves and have a good support system in place in order to prevent pregnancies.

1. 750,000 teenagers every year get pregnant in the United States of America.
2. This teen pregnancy number is the highest in the world, beating other countries like England or Canada.
3. Over 100 teenagers in every 1000 get pregnant. The number is 113, to be precise.
4. These births account for 11 per cent of the births in the US.
5. Over a whopping 80 per cent of these births are unplanned. Unplanned or unexpected means contraception was not used while having sex, and has resulted in a pregnancy.
6. Nearly a third of these pregnancies end in abortions.
7. Most of the teen births and pregnancies happen between ages 17 to 19.
8. One in every 3 girls under 20 gives birth to a child.
9. Girls born to teenage mothers are more likely to become teenage mothers themselves.
10. Education is impacted in a big way by teenage pregnancies. Of every three teenage mothers, only one gets her high-school diploma.
11. Most teenagers who become teenage mothers say they are pressured into having sex.

Teenage girls think ‘they are expected to have sex’ if they are dating. Social studies show that not only are girls of teenage mothers more likely to become teenage mothers but boys of teenage mothers are also more likely to go to prison early on in life. Sex education plays a very important role for such children. Schools need to make available all possible means of a support system to allow teenage girls to make the right decisions. There is a lot of stigma attached to abortions in some parts of the US, and in such states, the birth rate for teenage mothers is the highest.

Teenage mothers also need to be aware of the cost of giving birth and raising a child so young. The cost of living rises for the teenage mother who is unable to fend for herself. She slowly starts depending on the social welfare schemes, shifting the burden onto the government. The US government is believed to have spent figures close to US$ 9 billion on public sector health care and child welfare alone in the last few years.

Basic Precautions Men Need to Take

Men can support their partners and encourage the women by helping them stick to the preconception plan as it might not be an easy plan to follow. There is, however, preconception planning for men as well. During the preconception planning stages, the man is asked to do a health check up. Men need to take basic precautions like not wear tight clothing, especially tight underwear. Men should also avoid taking long hot baths or sauna as it can affect the motility of the sperm. While exercising, men should avoid cycling till their wife gets pregnant.  This physical activity also heats up the testicles and decreases the motility of the sperm. Men should also discuss their medical history including possible genetic disease with their doctors, so that the doctor prescribes the right tests.

What Diet is Beneficial?

If you already take some medication, check them for effects on health. Steroids and other medication like chemotherapy have been known to affect health and reduce chances of getting pregnant. During preconception planning, men can also follow a diet that boosts health and promotes fertility. Men can help by taking steps to increase their sperm count and motility. There are natural ways to do this. You can increase your intake of zinc. Consume oysters, as their main ingredient is zinc. Oysters can have a dual effect as they are also considered aphrodisiacs. Zinc is also present, in high quantities, in mushrooms, sprouts, green peas, Napa cabbage, wasabi, sun-dried tomatoes and lentils. Increasing your consumption of such vegetables can really help improve the quality of your sperm.

Small amounts of zinc can also be found in meat, poultry and eggs. Men can also increase the consumption of fruits, especially those high in antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent the sperm from cellular damage. Prunes are great for health and high in antioxidants. You can also try from numerous fresh, seasonal berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, black berries and citrus fruits like oranges. Doctors might also prescribe multivitamins which are good to improve your immunity.

A well-balanced diet is also a very important part of becoming healthy while trying for a baby. Eat a diet balanced in carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals. Ensure that you get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Get enough sleep and regular exercise. Switch to whole grains, wherever possible and remember to drink plenty of water so that toxins are continually flushed out.

Consumption of alcohol, smoking cigarettes or even consuming excess coffee, can also lead to reduced sperm. Stopping such habits or reducing these habits can benefit both the partners. Like all lifestyle changes, it is important to start these changes well before you actually start working on conceiving your baby.

Every year there are some trends, but cool clothing remains popular throughout. Maternity skirts are very cool pregnancy clothing. They can be colorful and comfortable and at the same time, can make a statement about style. Though these skirts are available in varying lengths, the knee length maternity skirt is most flattering for a pregnant woman’s profile.  Maternity pants are also very cool clothing. These pants come with stretchable waists that provide additional support for the baby bump. These pants can be found in many types of fabrics including cotton, denim and flax. A loose flowing tunic with these pants or a stylish blouse with one striking accessory can make a big difference to how a pregnant woman can look. The best part about maternity pants is the fact that existing pants can be altered to attach a stretchable waist. This way you might not need to buy a completely new wardrobe for your pregnancy. You can always share your pregnancy clothes with your gal pals, creating a support matrix that will help you and your friends through the pregnancy.

Trendy pregnancy clothes in today’s fashions include tunics in bright colors. Tunics can be very flattering as they are flowing around the abdomen and snug around the shoulders. This helps define the pregnant woman’s shape. Long sleeves also work very well with pregnant women. Long sleeves create a better style and can be accessorized well. Maxi dresses are another important and long lasting trend in maternity clothes. Maxis are available in various lengths, sleeve lengths, fits, fabrics and prints. Pregnant women world over today are not afraid to wear bold colors and prints. Clothes with empire waists are most flattering for pregnant women. Do not hesitate to wear body hugging tops. Contrary to what women earlier wore, wearing tops that outline your growing bump can actually make you feel more attractive than you wearing a loose dress that hangs over you like a tent. You can also choose to wear Capri pants or cargo pants early on the pregnancy up to the third trimester. Avoid too much frill and lace especially around the chest. A good maternity or nursing bra can also play a big part in shaping the body contour well. You might be pregnant but that does not have to equal pudgy or stout.

What materials to look for?

Pay special attention to the material when buying maternity dresses. Maternity clothes material should always be natural and comfortable. Cotton is always a good choice as it does not lead to itching, rash or allergic skin reactions. Avoid buying anything made of synthetic fibers. Dresses or blouses should have extra material around the abdominal region to accommodate your growing belly. Buy clothes made of good quality materials that will make you feel comfortable even as your pregnancy progresses. Pregnancy will bring about various changes in your body and it is important that you don’t experience any discomfort during this time.

Which is the best style?

With the huge range of maternity clothes available today, you may be tempted into buying something trendy and attractive, especially for work or social occasions. However it is always better to stick to the basics. The ideal maternity clothes style should emphasize comfort. Opt for neutral colors and play them up with different accessories. If you are a working woman, look for dresses that can be worn to the office as well as to dinners or other outings. A good suit jacket is also a great addition to your wardrobe. Staples such as these will also come in handy in case of future pregnancies.

What size of clothes?

Since your body will grow during pregnancy, it is essential to look closely at the size of the clothes you are buying.  Many women buy clothes that are much larger than what they normally wear. Avoid doing this as you will simply be left with clothes that are unattractive and uncomfortable. Maternity clothes have extra fabric in them such as elastic belly panels which can accommodate your growing size and still keep you comfortable. Many stores also keep strap-on fake bellies which you can try on. This will enable you to see how a particular dress will look in the later months of your pregnancy.

What about footwear?

Smart and comfortable maternity footwear can be found in various specialty shops or online stores. There are a few pointers you need to keep in mind when buying maternity footwear. Your foot can increase to about half or one full shoe size during pregnancy due to weight gain and hormonal changes. Therefore the shoes you choose should be able to support your foot properly. Pregnant women often experience edema or swelling of the feet and the shoes need to have extra room for this. Foot-bed sandals are considered to be a good choice for pregnant women as they are comfortable, supportive and adjustable.

Undergarments for pregnancy

It is a good idea to get fitted for pregnancy inner wear as soon as you are pregnant. Even though the breasts may not increase in size right away, the milk ducts will start developing. It is important that your undergarments or other clothing do not hamper the growth of the milk ducts. Avoid wearing wired bras during pregnancy as the size and shape of the breasts will keep changing and such bras may dig into the skin and cause discomfort. They may also affect milk duct development. Also remember to carry along a comfortable nursing bra when you go to the hospital for your delivery.

Winter Maternity Fashion

As the days get cooler, it is a good idea to shop for some winter staples which will keep you both comfortable and stylish. You can mix and match these items and also pair them up with some trendy accessories for a fresh, new look every day. A good winter investment is a long sleeves t-shirt. Look for one that is made of cotton and some amount of spandex. Opt for neutral colors which can be paired with formal pants or jeans. You can even pair it with a blazer and wear to a meeting or business dinner. Also invest in some short sleeve tops which can be worn under a sweater or a tunic. Leggings are comfortable and accommodating during pregnancy. Wear a pair of black leggings with a long sweater. Dress up your look with colorful scarves which will make you look chic and keep you warm. As you progress into your pregnancy, you can opt for long skirts.

Maternity Fashion During Summer Holidays

Stay cool in summer with the right maternity wear. Maternity dresses are usually flowing and comfortable and hence make great summer outfits. Choose dresses in different styles to keep them interesting and fun to wear. Avoid wearing fitted clothing as these can make you feel suffocated. Mornings during the summertime tend to be chilly and hence it is a good layer idea to layer your clothing. Wear a comfortable maternity tunic over something light and airy like a camisole and loose pants or shorts. When the day gets hotter, you can take off the tunic. Opt for light fabrics. Wear lighter colored clothes to deflect the heat. Avoid wearing black when you know you will be spending lots of time outdoors. Tight fitted clothes can make you sweat and hence opt for looser clothes. You can look smart and trendy by wearing a fitted maternity top with a flowing skirt. Natural fibers such as linen and cotton are perfect for the summer.

Postpartum depression in women usually develops within the first three weeks after childbirth. There are several reasons as to why postpartum depression in women develops. The most important reason is the hormones fluctuating. Estrogen and progesterone (hormones) levels increase during pregnancy. However, after the delivery of the child, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop drastically. This accounts for postpartum depression in women. Other reasons for postpartum depression in women are: exhaustion, emotional, physical changes, and a lack of support from either the woman’s family or her partner, lack of sleep. Symptoms of postpartum depression in women are similar to that of people who are undergoing depression. Some of the common symptoms of postpartum depression in women are:-

• Feelings of irritability
• Being in a state of agitation
• Mood swings
• A feeling of emptiness
• Loss of energy and motivation
• Lack of interest in the baby as well as herself.
• Weight changes – unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Crying or tearfulness
• Loss of pleasure and interest in day to day activities
• A lack of interest in sex
• Disturbed sleep – sleeping more or less than usual
• Negative feelings towards the baby
• A loss of appetite
• Mothers who have a severe degree of this illness may also have thoughts of suicide or death.

Postpartum depression in women can be treated through counseling or by taking medication. Lifestyle changes can help as well. Diagnosis of this kind of depression will be on the basis of the length and time this depression has lasted. It is important to for such women to seek help. Postpartum depression is often undetected and if left untreated can last for months or even years.

Chances of Getting Pregnant in 40s

Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of getting pregnant in your 40s, let us take a look at your chances of getting pregnant in your 40s. Research over the years has shown that the chances of getting pregnant in your 40s depend on how far into your 40s you are. Getting pregnant in your 40s is not easy but it is not impossible either. As a woman loses her age, she becomes more infertile. Studies show that a 40 year old woman has a 5% chance of getting pregnant, per month. Another problem with getting pregnant at this age and one that affects your chances of getting pregnant is that the miscarriage rate begins to increase in your 40s as well.  There are also many women who once they reach this age, stop ovulating each month. Thus it is more difficult to figure out when you are at your most fertile.

However, there are women who still get pregnant in their 40s. While it is sometimes difficult to do so, do not give up hope. Many women opt for fertility treatments such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) or ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) in order to conceive. You can also try using donor eggs to conceive as it will increase your chances of having a baby. Make changes to your lifestyle to help improve your fertility. Stay fit, and eat well too. While it is sometimes difficult to get pregnant at this age, do not give up hope.

There are several factors influencing twin birth. These include:-

• Family History: This is one of the most important facts to consider if you are contemplating getting pregnant with twins. If you or your husband have a history of twins in your family, then your chances of conceiving twins is extremely high. Having said this, it is also important to remember that the birth of twins generally comes a generation apart. So if your grandparents had twins, it is more likely that you may have them. If your mother or grandmother was or had fraternal twins, you may have inherited the gene for hyperovulation which increases your chances.
• Age: Women in the age bracket of 35-40 have a better chance of getting pregnant with twins than younger women. The rate of ovulation speeds up during these ages.
• Diet: Increasing the consumption of dairy products like butter, cheese, yogurt and milk have been linked to increasing the chances of having twins.
• Yams: Yams are sweet potatoes which have a chemical which helps the mother to hyperovulate.
• Medical Assistance: There are many drugs that can increase ovulation. Speak to your doctor about them and ask for help. IVF or in vitro fertilization can also help you to get pregnant with twins.

You may be wondering how to increase chances of delivering twins. Keep these points in mind.

• Keep trying: Studies have shown that the more number of children you have, the more chances you have of getting pregnant with twins.
• Choose a partner who is a twin. This may also increase your odds of having twins.
• Gain weight: Research has shown that women who have a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher have an increased chance of conceiving twins.

• Implantation: This occurs when the fertilized egg gets implanted into the wall of the uterus and therefore, it is the most common cause of stomach pain during pregnancy first trimester. Most women compare implantation pain to period-like pain and cramps.
• Stretching of ligaments: As the baby grows in size, the muscles and ligaments that support the uterus begin to stretch. Therefore, women experience a dull ache in the belly, especially when getting up from the bed, coughing or engaging in any other form of physical activity. Stretched uterine ligaments are the most common cause of stomach pain during pregnancy second trimester.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: Pregnant women can experience Braxton Hicks contractions, more commonly referred to as false labor, as the due date approaches. While these contractions may feel like actual labor, they usually improve with a change in position.

Stomach pain during pregnancy third trimester could be an indication of labor even if it is not too severe initially. In fact most women experience cramps (like menstrual cramps) at the beginning of labor. Some of the other causes of a tummy ache in pregnant women could include indigestion, overeating, gas, heartburn and constipation.

However, it is strongly recommended that women waste no time in visiting a doctor in case they experience severe stomach pain during pregnancy, accompanied by symptoms like bleeding, spotting or vaginal discharge. These symptoms could be an indication of major complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, preterm labor, placental abruption, preeclampsia and urinary tract infections, to name a few.

In case a health care provider confirms that the cause of the stomach pain during pregnancy is nothing serious, then the problem can be treated with simple home remedies. Over the counter medication should be strictly avoided, unless prescribed by a doctor who is aware of the pregnant women’s medical history.