The rate of South African teenage pregnancies is increasing and this is cause for concern, particularly of the mental health for the girls.
As Pregnancy Week is observed from 6 to 10 February, we look at the current rates of South African teenage pregnancies and the mental health effects they have on teenage mothers.
While teenage pregnancy decreases across the globe, South Africa faces a concerning issue of rising numbers. According to the Department of Health, 90 000 teenage pregnancies - ranging from girls between the ages of 10 to 19, were recorded between April 2021 and March 2022 compared to 150 girls who were pregnant in the 2022 – 2023 year.
Dr Jessica Stanbridge, a psychiatrist and member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists says this is an indication that statutory rape and gender-based violence remain a serious issue in our society, alongside inadequate sex education and limited access to contraceptives.
She says, "Teenage pregnancy implies that the pregnancy is usually unplanned and pregnancy in very young adolescents aged 10 to 14 is evidence of statutory rape. This together with the alarming numbers that do not factor in unregistered births, miscarriages, or backstreet abortions, paints a disheartening picture."
READ MORE | Child pregnancy crisis: Births to children 14 years and younger increased by 48.7%
Teenage pregnancy usually leads to dire consequences because many teenage mothers struggle to adapt to parenthood.
Dr Jessica says, "Many pregnant teenagers drop out of school, affecting their educational and employment opportunities and face social repercussions such as reduced status in their community, significant levels of stress, peer rejection, family violence and early marriage."
Most new mothers experience the postpartum period, which is one of the most strenuous periods for new mothers and causes severe mental health issues.
"The importance of ongoing mental health care for both mother and child cannot be overstressed. Teenagers often neglect ante-natal care, leading to more complicated pregnancies and harsher disciplinary styles, developmentally impacting the child's well-being and mental health," Dr Jessica says.
Furthermore, financial struggles can also increase mental health issues because of the cost of nappies, formula milk and clothing. This pressure on the teenage mother may lead to resentment of the baby.
Mental health deterioration signs to look out for teenage mothers:
• Low mood
• Difficulty attaching to baby
• Anxiety
• Maternal rage
• Difficulty caring for infant
• Suicidal thoughts
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Feeling worthless
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Thinking of harming oneself or the baby
• Difficulty enjoying activities
In a PRISM and Loeries award-winning special report by TRUELOVE in partnership with Amnesty International, we looked at what the law says about consent and adolescent girls.
Per the report, children below the age of 12 don't have the capacity to consent to sexual activity, therefore sexual intercourse with a child below this age is always considered rape, even if they say they consent.
Children between the ages of 12 and 16 can consent but if consent is given to a person who is 18 years or older, the latter is guilty of statutory rape.
Consensual sexual intercourse may occur between two children who are at least 12 years old and under the age of 16. Those who are 16- and 17-year-olds may have consensual sex only with persons no more than two years younger than they are. For example, a 14-year-old may engage in sexual activity with a 16-year-old and 15-year-old with a 17-year-old.
• Speak to your GP, or
• Contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on 0800 12 13 14 or send an SMS to 32312 and a counselor will call you back.
