The journey through pregnancy and postpartum is inherently stressful, particularly for pregnant adolescents who often face significant challenges in accessing the necessary supportive care, which can have severe consequences.
A recent study conducted by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) revealed that in Ontario, teenagers who have experienced pregnancy are at a 50% higher risk of premature death before the age of 31 compared to those who did not have a teen pregnancy. This risk escalates for individuals with two or more teen pregnancies and those who conceived before the age of 16.
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study also highlighted that teenage pregnancy is more prevalent among residents of lower-income neighborhoods with lower high school completion rates.
At SickKids, the Young Prenatal Program (YPP) and Young Families Program (YFP) aim to address the care gaps faced by adolescent parents by offering comprehensive physical, mental, and developmental support from pregnancy through early parenthood in an integrated and trauma-informed manner.
Dr. Ashley Vandermorris, Staff Physician in the Division of Adolescent Medicine and co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the social determinants of health embedded in individuals’ lives and implementing trauma-informed programs tailored to meet their needs. The primary objective is to enhance outcomes for adolescents from pregnancy to parenthood and for their children.
Enhancing the Discourse on Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenthood
The pregnancy journey varies significantly, especially for adolescents who encounter unique challenges such as transportation barriers, financial constraints, and academic commitments. The YPP/YFP recognizes the distinct experiences and circumstances of each parent, collaborating with them to identify goals and overcome obstacles. These coordinated programs provide centralized care encompassing prenatal, postnatal, pediatric, sexual, and mental health services, along with referrals to community resources like housing and educational programs.
Jasmine Saleh, a Social Worker at SickKids, underscores the holistic approach of the programs, stating, “Adolescents entering the program come from diverse backgrounds. What we offer extends beyond medical care, focusing on an integrated model that considers each individual’s circumstances. Our aim is to broaden the dialogue on parental responsibilities and nurturing caregivers.”
Following childbirth, many YPP participants transition to the Young Families Program (YFP), which offers comprehensive healthcare services for adolescent parents and their children up to two years of age, supporting both the parent and child through an integrated care model.
Gillian Thompson, Nurse Practitioner in the YFP, highlights the significance of regular healthcare engagement for these parents, noting that pregnancy often serves as their initial interaction with the healthcare system. The goal is to provide continuous support across the care continuum, transforming their healthcare experiences and relationships with providers.
Data Advocating for Enhanced Integrated Care Models
Utilizing administrative data, a research team led by Dr. Joel Ray from St. Michael’s Hospital and co-led by Dr. Eyal Cohen from SickKids identified a significant increase in the long-term risk of premature death for pregnant teenagers, emphasizing the need for programs addressing the intersection of healthcare and social determinants of health.
While the YPP and YFP at SickKids offer vital services to pregnant adolescents and parents, the research team advocates for the development of community-based programs that adopt a strengths-based approach, respecting the autonomy and resilience of young parents.
More information:
- Joel Ray et al, Teen Pregnancy and Risk of Premature Mortality, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.1833 jamanetwork.com/journals/jaman … /fullarticle/2816198
Provided by: The Hospital for Sick Children
Citation: Program provides integrated, trauma-informed care for pregnant and parenting adolescents (2024, March 14) retrieved 14 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-trauma-pregnant-parenting-adolescents.html