Topic 3 DQ 1

When a teen starts menstruating she it is possible for her to get pregnant. But with teen pregnancy comes risks. There are so many things that can go wrong with a woman in her twenties who are pregnant but those numbers go even higher in a teen. Some of the concerns are preterm birth, low birth weight, high blood pressure that leads to preeclampsia, and infant mortality. Teens are not mature to understand how important the health of the baby is. They tend to take the pregnancy for granted and not change one thing about their nutrition or physical activity. In Okeechobee County, the teen pregnancy rate is 11.97% and the rate in Florida is 10.3%. These rates are high however they have decreased over the last ten years. The decrease is most likely due to all the programs that Florida has to offer. Unfortunately, teen pregnancy cost the residents of Florida money and adds a burden on our healthcare. This could be the reason that there has been changing and we see a decrease.

Healthy Start is a grant- based program through the state that helps women and infants with a variety of services. They have classes such as childbirth, car seat, parenting, and breastfeeding. Education is the main role that this program takes on. Every participates is case managed to make sure they have all the information or resources to help with their needs. All services are free to any Florida resident who is pregnant or an infant up to three years old

The Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee is a local organization in my community of Okeechobee. They have services very similar to Health Start but also have a full- time RN on site with an ultrasound tech and equipment. They are grant- based but also rely on donations from the residents. The center has a thrift shop for the residents to shop from. All the items in the shop are donated so there can be anything from clothes to furniture and everything in between. The center really has great support from our little community. With all these services available and the education that is provided it is no wonder, the numbers have gone down.

Using 250-300 APA format with references to support the discussion.

 Adolescent pregnancy is viewed as a high-risk situation because it poses serious health risks for the mother and the baby. Describe various risk factors or precursors to adolescent pregnancy. Research community and state resources devoted in adolescent pregnancy and describe at least two of these resources. Research the teen pregnancy rates for the last 10 years for your state and community. Has this rate increased or decreased? Discuss possible reasons for an increase or decrease.