Knowing the facts of teenage pregnancy and its outcomes are important when discussing realities with your teenager.

1  Less likely to complete high school

2. Frustration and resentment for the baby

3. Higher risk for abusing and neglecting their children

4. Financial strains

5. Unable to continue college or career desires

While most teenage girls are focused on fashion, friends, and high school homework, each year, nearly 1 million teenagers, age 15 to 19, become pregnant. More than 400,000 babies were born to teenagers in 2002, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The news of a teenage pregnancy can be a shock for the young couple and for their parents. The pregnant teenager and her parents may grieve, realizing that their dreams for the future will change. Although a majority of teenage mothers complete high school, they are less likely than other teenagers to go on to college.

While the parents may be embarrassed by their daughter’s pregnancy, she may feel terrified at the idea of becoming a mother too soon. Pregnant teens need their parents’ support at this time more than ever; and the family may need outside support to deal with the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy and parenting.

As teenage mothers and fathers soon discover, parenting is a huge responsibility. Teens may have unrealistic expectations about caring for a baby, and often experience frustration and resentment. Teenage parents are at a higher risk for abusing and neglecting their babies. Social workers and counselors can help the family make important decisions and deal with emotional issues and lifestyle changes that come with having a new baby in the family. Social workers can also counsel teens about the importance of pregnancy prevention if this is needed.  Abstinence should be stressed for both emotional and physical reasons.