-Premature babies are at higher risk for mortality in their first year. -They are also subject to a variety of health risks such as neurological disorders, heart conditions, infections, respiratory troubles and intestinal problems. -Premature babies are also at risk for long-term mental and growth disabilities.
MENTAL RETARDATION
-This is a condition in which there is delay or deficiency in all aspects of development, i.e. there is global and noticeable deficiency in the development of motor, cognitive, social, and language functions. -Examples: Cerebral Palsy, Language Developmental Disability, Autism, Dyslexia, Conduct Disorders
UNHEALTHY TEEN LIFESTYLES -Alcohol may cause fetal alcohol disorders, according to the March of Dimes. -Smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use may cause a wide spectrum of health problems for the baby and the teenage mother.
PREMATURE LABOR
- Teenage mothers face the possibility of premature labor or labor that starts before 37 weeks gestation. -Physically, teenage mothers have immature reproductive organs that may not be prepared to carry an infant to term.
PREMATURE LABOR
-Journal of Perinatology noted in a 2002 study that an immature cervix and metabolic system play a role in causing preterm birth in teen moms. -Sexually transmitted diseases and smoking also increase the risk of preterm labor.
ANEMIA
Types of anemia may develop: a. Iron-deficiency anemia - This type of anemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin. -In iron-deficiency anemia, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to tissues throughout the body. -Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy.
b. Folate-deficiency anemia - Folate, also called folic acid, is a type of B vitamin. The body needs folate to produce new cells, including healthy red blood cells. - During pregnancy, women need extra folate. But sometimes they don't get enough from their diet. When that happens, the body can't make enough normal red blood cells to transport oxygen to tissues throughout the body. - Folate deficiency can directly contribute to certain types of birth defects.
ANEMIA
ANEMIA
c. Vitamin B12 deficiency -The body needs vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells. -When a pregnant woman doesn't get enough vitamin B12 from her diet, her body can't produce enough healthy red blood cells. -Women who don't eat meat, poultry, dairy products, and eggs have a greater risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency, which may contribute to birth defects.
WHAT TO DO?