There may be times when the pregnant teenager's emotional reactions and mental state will require referral to a qualified mental health professional. A teenager may view the creation of a child as an achievement and not recognize the serious responsibilities. Or she may want a baby to have someone to love, but not recognize the quality of care the baby needs. Often, adolescents do not anticipate that their adorable baby can also be demanding and sometimes irritating. Some teenagers become overwhelmed by guilt, anxiety, and fears about the future.
Depression is also common among pregnant teens.
Adult parents can help prevent teenage pregnancy by providing guidance to their children about sexuality and the risks and responsibilities of intimate relationships and pregnancy. Babies born to teenagers are at risk for neglect and abuse because their young mothers are uncertain about their roles and may be frustrated by the constant demands of caretaking. Many teenage girls are forced to drop out of school to have their babies. In this way, pregnant teens lose the opportunity to learn skills necessary for employment and self survival as adults. School classes in family life and sexual education, as well as clinics providing reproductive information and birth control to young people, can also help to prevent unwanted pregnancy.