By Daiaphira Kharsati
SHILLONG: Hiding teenage pregnancies often result in young expectant mothers missing out on important vitamins leading to anaemia cases.
The late detection of teenage pregnancies affects the health of teenagers in the long run.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, obstetrician and gynaecologist Jupirika Pyrbot said there are several cases of teenage pregnancies but their detection is late since teenagers are in denial mode and want to conceal their pregnancy.
Teenagers would approach the Ante Natal Check up (ANC) after 6-8 months and in the process, they miss vital multi-vitamins which often cause anaemia.
Teenage pregnancies come with a lot of physical and behavioural complications and to tackle the problem, it needs a dedicated approach of all concerned.
“Teenage pregnancies are more prone to complications. It affects mother and foetus which is called maternal complications as they are more prone to anemia,” said Pyrbot.
With teenagers being sexually active, they are more prone to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
“There is an increase in maternal mortality and morbidity in teenage pregnancy in comparison to adult pregnancy,” she said, adding that chances of C-section in teenage pregnancy are more than normal delivery.
In addition to the child having low birth weight, teenage mothers are also more prone to post-partum depression as they are not emotionally mature.
Commenting on how to manage teenage pregnancy, Pyrbot said team approach is needed and said, “Doctors, social workers and counsellors are needed. Sex education is also important.”
To a query, she said teenage pregnancies is more common in rural areas with contributing factors such as illiteracy, low socio-economic status, lack of awareness regarding contraception and others.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) -4, also has a report about Meghalaya on the percentage of women aged 15-19 who have had a live birth or who are pregnant with their first child and those who have begun child-bearing.
The number of teenagers from rural areas stands at a startling figure of 1,372 as against 395 from urban areas.
Pyrbot said cases of less than 18 years have to be reported to the police whether married or unmarried since it is not legal.
Chairperson of Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Meena Kharkongor said teenage pregnancy which is less than 18 ultimately comes under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and it is dealt accordingly where stringent measures are taken and there is no leniency.
To tackle teenage pregnancy, she said more awareness should be created in rural areas.
“It is high time for the education department to introduce sex education in schools till secondary level. In rural areas, there is lack of education coupled with poverty,” she said.
On the other hand, she added the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act should be implemented in letter and spirit.