The "Teenage
Pregnancy Program" is a comprehensive program that provides prenatal
care to pregnant teenagers ranging from 11 to 18 years of age (average
15 1/2 yr. olds). Teenage patients are seen by a select group of physicians
and health care providers with extensive experience for caring for adolescent
patients.
Pregnant teenagers
are scheduled on specific days of the week in an effort to optimize
the educational and social support resources available to them as well
as their obstetrical/medical care. More than 90% of teens attending
the "Teen Pregnancy Clinic" for prenatal care are able to
and are encouraged to continue to pursue their education throughout
pregnancy.
A series of educational
discussions on various parenting issues have been organized at convenient
times that do not interfere with school hours. Topics covered include
but are not limited to:
Self-esteem
First aid
Laboring signs
Baby care
Contraception
Preterm baby nursery tour
Parenting skills
Labor & delivery tours
Nutrition
Immunizations
Baby safety
A unique Resource
Mother Program is available in collaboration with Children's Hospital
of The King's Daughters ("CHKD") to assist with transportation
to and from the prenatal appointments, to act as a parent/guardian in
their absence, and to serve as mentors within the community for the
teenage mother. Teen pregnancies are referred to this program as needed.
The goals of the
"Teen Pregnancy Program" are to teach the adolescent woman
about contraception, the importance of continuing education, parenting
skills, and life coping skills after delivery.
It has grown substantially
over the past few years and has provided a unique resource for referring
physicians, Planned Parenthood clinics and social workers in the in
the community. Since January of 2002, an average of 90 obstetrical visits
are scheduled per month in the "Teen Pregnancy Clinic".
This
information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional
medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided
on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed
to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your
physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical
condition.
