Teen pregnancy remains a significant issue in many countries, including Indonesia. According to Media Indonesia, the percentage of teenage pregnancies in 2018 reached 16.67% of the total teenage population in Indonesia. Cases of teenage pregnancy are closely related to early or underage marriages. Besides being dangerous for the physical health of both the mother and the fetus, teenage pregnancy can also affect the mother's mental health.

Mental health risks as a teenage mother

Every pregnant woman is at risk of mental health issues during pregnancy. However, this risk is higher for teenage mothers.

Adolescence should be a time for exploration and self-actualization. However, in the case of teenage pregnancy, the mother must adapt both physically and mentally to the demands of pregnancy.

After giving birth, the mother also has to care for and nurture her baby. This burden and responsibility can lead to mental health issues in teenage mothers, especially if the pregnancy was unplanned.

According to Healthline, some common mental health issues in cases of teenage pregnancy include:

1. Baby blues

Baby blues is a feeling of sadness that many first-time mothers experience in the early days after giving birth. This condition is common among most new mothers. Baby blues can cause feelings of irritability, sadness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and being overwhelmed. It typically appears 3–10 days after childbirth and usually diminishes over time, although this varies for each mother. If not addressed properly, baby blues can develop into postpartum depression.

2. Depression  

Depression is a profound feeling of sadness characterized by a loss of interest in activities. In pregnant women, depression can occur during pregnancy, often due to feelings of disappointment or sadness related to the pregnancy or the demands of household work.

3. Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is similar to baby blues but lasts longer, extending for weeks or even months. Symptoms of postpartum depression include severe fatigue, lack of enthusiasm, panic attacks, and thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby.

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

According to the NHS, PTSD in pregnant women can occur if there were complications during pregnancy and childbirth or if the mother had previously experienced abuse. Babies born to mothers with PTSD tend to have lower birth weights compared to those born to mothers without trauma. Additionally, PTSD in teenage mothers is often associated with drug use, which can affect the baby's development.

While pregnancy is a blessing for every family, teenage pregnancy has significant risks for both the parents and the child. In addition to jeopardizing the mother's mental health, teenage pregnancy can hinder the child's future. Teenagers who experience pregnancy are encouraged to seek support from family and professionals to navigate their pregnancy safely.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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