In commemoration of pregnancy week, the Department of Health is raising awareness about healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood. During this time, the department celebrates pregnant women including pregnant teenagers.
The department uses this period from the 6th to the 10th of February 2024, as an opportunity to celebrate and encourage women who are responsible to fall pregnant. Even though this awareness supports and encourages pregnancy, the department says it is not a method to encourage teenage pregnancy.
In a 2023 report, the health department revealed that more than 145 teen mothers gave birth on Christmas day. Statistics show that more than 900 teenage girls between the ages of 10 to 14, have legally terminated pregnancies and more than 2000 gave birth.
The department’s Head of Maternal & Women’s Health, Dr Manala Makua said that although the department does not condone teenage pregnancy, it is always advisable for pregnant teenagers to get support from their loved ones. She added that the department supports pregnant individuals who want to keep the child and those who want to terminate the pregnancy.
“We encourage and teach teenage girls to know their bodies so they can see that they are pregnant while it is still early. This will give those who want to terminate an opportunity to do so before nine weeks. During this awareness week, we encourage and educate all pregnant women to go to a health institution as soon as they find out that they are pregnant. It is advisable to go as early as possible,” she said.
Omphemetse Peu, a 16-year-old mother, said that being a teen mother is the hardest thing she has ever dealt with. According to Peu, a lot of denial takes over when you fall pregnant at that age, even though the pregnancy symptoms are there. She said she is very grateful for the support and help that she receives from her family. She added that she does not think she would have been able to return and continue with school without the support of her family.
“I am constantly reminded that I am a teen mom when I cannot do things that my friends do.
I have received sexual education from both my parents and at school. I did not understand the impact of teenage pregnancy and still do not understand it, but I have learned from my mistake and would encourage teenage girls to not fall pregnant,” she said.
A private hospital Midwife, Karabo Dibakwane, said that pregnant teenagers are not only exposed to health risks during delivery, but also suffer from mental health issues after birth.
“Pregnant teenagers are most likely to experience postpartum depression due to lack of support, and because some of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds, sometimes their babies suffer from malnutrition,” she said.
The Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule launched a Learner Pregnancy Policy in December 2021. The policy is a response to the alarming teenage pregnancy rate. The policy’s objective is to educate teenagers about sexuality and reproductive health. It also includes information around the use of contraceptives and the role of gender and power in relationships. This aim of the policy is to empower teenagers to make informed life choices and protect them from unintended pregnancy.