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South Africa is witnessing a distressing surge in teenage pregnancies, despite a global decline in adolescent (15 to 19 years) birthrates.
Of the 1 708 births on Christmas Day in South Africa, 145 were to teenage mothers, and New Year’s Day recorded 190 teenage births, including two 14-year-olds.
Between April 2021 and March 2022, 90 000 pregnancies were recorded for girls aged ten to 19 years, with over 150 000 young girls being pregnant in the 2022-’23 financial year.
During Pregnancy Awareness Week, which was observed from 6 to 10 February, the South African Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop) emphasises the critical mental health impact on teenage mothers, shedding light on the challenges faced by this vulnerable demographic.
Evidence of statutory rape
Dr Jessica Stanbridge, psychiatrist and member of Sasop, attributes this rise to socio-economic difficulties, inadequate sex education, gender-based violence (GBV), and limited access to contraception.
“Teenage pregnancy implies that the pregnancy is usually unplanned and pregnancy in very young adolescents aged ten to 14 years is evidence of statutory rape. This together with the alarming numbers that do not factor in unregistered births, miscarriages or backstreet abortions, paints a disheartening picture,” says Stanbridge.
She warns of the far-reaching consequences of early childbearing, affecting education, livelihoods, and health, including mental health on mother and child.
“Many pregnant teenagers drop out of school, affecting their educational and employment opportunities, and face social repercussions such as reduced status in their community, significant levels of stress, peer rejection, family violence, and early marriage.
“The mental health toll on teenagers giving birth cannot be understated. Teenage pregnancies often come with a range of emotional and psychological challenges, impacting the mental well-being of young mothers.
“The societal stigma, coupled with the abrupt and sudden transition to parenthood, can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
Recognise mental conditions
During the postpartum period, regardless of age, South Africa records the highest rate of one in three women developing mental health symptoms.
Stanbridge says women with mental illness have more complicated pregnancies, including pre-term delivery, stillbirths, and newborns with low birth weights.
“The importance of ongoing mental health care for mother and child cannot be overstressed.
“Teenagers often neglect ante-natal care, leading to harsher disciplinary styles, developmentally impacting the child’s well-being and mental health.”
Symptoms of mental health conditions are, but are not limited to:
- low mood;
- difficulty attaching to baby;
- maternal rage;
- difficulty caring for infant;
- suicidal thoughts;
- overwhelming fatigue;
- feeling worthless;
- anxiety;
- panic attacks;
- thinking of harming oneself or the baby; and
- difficulty enjoying activities.
“The list of conditions and symptoms are vast. Know that mental health conditions are common and that seeking professional support early is important. Supporting parental intervention is critical for this vulnerable population.”
- To support a teenager, yourself or a family member, speak to a doctor, or contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) on 0800-12-13-14, or send an SMS to 32312.
– Source: My Pressportal
