Oh! Oh! I’ve missed my periods, this is my second month.

Eish! I don’t eat well these days. I have lost appetite, and everything

smells horrible. I feel nauseous and vomit frequently. Ooh no!! My uniform, and some

of my clothes don’t fit well on me, it’s like I am gaining a lot of weight.

My breasts swell and have some tinkling sensation.

Wooh! Something is moving inside me and kicking.

I am moody these days but why?

Should you experience the above signs and many other unusuals, and you havehad unprotected sex at some point, you should suspect pregnancy.

Produced by: Ministry of HealthMCH/FP Unit

Family Health DivisionP. O. Box 992

GaboroneBotswana

Tel: 3170585Fax: 3902092

2006

REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA

aboutall

teenagepregnancy

Why don’t you visit any nearest clinic or health facility for confirmation. Express your fears and anxieties, the nurse will assist you. ‘Don’t wait until it is too late’ A concern to young people, parents,

society & government“ ”

whatcan make one

she is pregnantsuspect?

This is pregnancy occurring in young people of less than 21 years. Although teenagers are those young people aged between 13 – 19 years, those aged 20-21 years experience the same problems because their bodies are not yet fully developed and matured.

Every year, a significant number of young people drop-out of school. Majority of these drop outs are due to pregnancy, which in most cases is unplanned nor-wanted. Pregnancy results from unprotected sex, therefore people are not only concerned of pregnancy, but also of high chances of transmission of STI’s and HIV/AIDS. Other things of concern include:

Interruption from education Less chances of job opportunities More financial needs for the family Complication of pregnancy, child

birth and post delivery. Abortions and death. Emotional disturbances including stress.

O yes! It concerns me too. A young person is still growing and

herbody is not yet ready for pregnancy and child birth.

A young person has a future ahead to accomplish and pregnancy will definitely defeat her goal for life.

Young people are still dependent on their parents financially, socially and otherwise, therefore having a child adds to their parent’s responsibilities.

Pregnancy and childbirth can affect �a young person’s social, physical and emotional well being.

Abstain Believe in yourself and

stick to your decisions Say “NO” strongly using

words and body language. Remember your dreams

and goals for your future such as education, good job etc. Choose friends who are

inline and support your decisions.

If you can’t abstain, use conraceptives including condoms.

worry/concern youas a young person?

Does pregnancyWhat is

pregnancyteenage

Why areparents/government

concerned about teenage pregnancy?

Howpregnancyto prevent