Alarming rise in teen pregnancies in SA despite global decline

With over 150 000 teenage girls giving birth in the 2022/23 financial year, the surge in teen pregnancies across South Africa is the focus of Pregnancy Awareness Week, observed from 6 – 10 February.

The South African Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop) emphasises the critical mental health impact on teen mothers, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges faced by this vulnerable demographic.

On Christmas Day 2023, 145 of the 1 708 births were to teenage mothers, while New Year’s Day recorded 190 teenage births. These included two 14-year-old mothers from KZN and the Eastern Cape.

Between April 2021 and March 2022, a staggering 90 000 pregnancies were recorded for girls aged between 10 and 19.

Dr Jessica Stanbridge, a psychiatrist and member of Sasop, attributes this rise to socio-economic difficulties, inadequate sex education, GBV and limited access to contraception.

“Teenage pregnancy implies that the pregnancy is unplanned, and pregnancy in very young adolescents aged 10-14 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,” said Dr Stanbridge.

She warns of the far-reaching consequences of early childbearing, affecting education, livelihoods and health, including mental health impacting both mother and child.

“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.

“The mental health toll on teenagers giving birth cannot be understated. Teenage pregnancies often come with a range of emotional and psychological challenges, impacting the mental well-being of young mothers. The societal stigma, coupled with the abrupt and sudden transition to parenthood, can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.”

For young mothers, the main aim is to know that mental health conditions are common and that seeking professional support early is important.

Supporting parental intervention is critical for this vulnerable population, with an emphasis on improved intergenerational mental health.

To support a teenager, yourself or a family member, speak to your doctor or contact the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) on 0800 12 13 14, or send an SMS to 32312 and a counsellor will call you back.

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