Teenage pregnancies discussed at Pro Practicum
Pupils at Pro Practicum School were taught more about teenage pregnancies and the affects it has on teenagers.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) of the Krugersdorp SAPS along with a representative from the Child Protection Centre recently visited Pro Practicum School as part of their Child Protection Week initiative.
You need money to have a baby
“Dreams are often lost,” says Alida Wohlberg from the Child Protection Centre.
She covered the basics around how to know when you are pregnant and health risks that go hand-in-hand with teenage pregnancies.
“Pregnant teenagers tend to get high blood pressure that may cause heart attacks and strokes, as your teenage bodies are not yet ready to carry a child. Teenagers also often give birth to premature babies who are in some cases born with under developed lungs.”
Furthermore she gave the pupils perspective around the basis costs of raising a baby.
She discussed the price that nappies, baby food, milk formula, medicine and what specialised baby toiletries retail at the moment.
“You need money to have a baby,” warns Alida.
As the growing single-parent rate has skyrocketed in the past few years, the pupils also got a wake up call about the realities of being a single-parent.
“Think again when you want to sleep with a boy because a baby needs a mommy and a daddy. A baby belongs to a family.”
Shocked pupils sat with their eyes wide open as the national statistics surrounding teenage pregnancy were read to them.
“We are pleading on behalf of your unborn baby, think before you act.”
Captain Paula Terblance of the FCS unit also warned the pupils with her clear message, “don’t play around with adult stuff”.
