Chapter 4: Reproduction

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About this Chapter
The more young people know about reproduction, the better they will be able to decide when they want to become pregnant, and the greater the likelihood that they will have a healthy pregnancy when they do. Teens who do not understand how pregnancy occurs are more likely to have one that is unwanted. They may be pregnant for many months before they realize or acknowledge it, and this may have serious consequences. Those who continue the pregnancy to term may have gone months without prenatal care, which is one reason why teens have poorer pregnancy outcomes. For adolescents who want to abort, the delay may mean they cannot do so safely. Abortions are much safer if they are done early in the first trimester, so recognizing the pregnancy and acting promptly is vital.

Beyond the mechanics of conception, it is essential to discuss with both boys and girls what happens to a woman’s body during pregnancy, including the process and risks associated with childbirth. Young women whose bodies are not fully developed are especially at risk for complications. In many countries, maternal mortality rates are still unacceptably high, especially among young adolescents. Sexuality education should ensure that participants understand how to prevent complications. This is also a good time to have participants consider the consequences of becoming a teenage parent, such as interrupted or ended schooling for the girl and sometimes the boy, decreased ability to get a good job, a poorer economic situation, marrying under social pressure to legitimize the birth, and, alternatively, single motherhood.