It is understandable that a pregnant teenager might suffer from depression.  But is depression a result of the pregnancy, or is the pregnancy a sign of previous depression.  An article in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior concludes that the pregnancy is a result of depression, but only in those living in low income households. 

A study was conducted in the United States and followed thousands of teenage girls and young women, asking questions regarding stress and daily life.  The results found that teens who lived in poverty had a higher risk of teen pregnancy due to depression than teens above the poverty level. 

If a young teenager living in poverty is depressed, this does not necessarily indicate she will become pregnant.  Rather, it shows this young woman is at greater risk for teenage pregnancy.  This information can help adults, teachers and physicians to identify which teens might require specialized care to help avoid a teen pregnancy. 

If you know a teenage girl who comes from a poor family, try to mentor her by building her self esteem.  Help her to focus on long term goals and talk to her care giver if you believe she is showing signs of sadness or depression.

A recent article has been written in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that suggests increased doses of oxytocin be avoided at intervals less than 30 minutes apart.  It is suggested that as oxytocin use is decreased among women in labor, emergency cesareans significantly decrease as well. 

Two Chicago hospitals have followed oxytocin use in births over the last three years.  When the use of oxytocin was reduced from 93% to 79%, emergency c-sections reduced from 11% to 6%.  Furthermore, there was a reduced use of vacuum and forceps use as well as fewer incidents of fetal distress. 

These hospitals were using 2 by 2 units of oxytocin every twenty minutes.  By reducing this to 1 by 1 unit every thirty minutes, there was a significant reduction in both fetal distress and emergency cesareans. 

The bottom line for you as an expectant mom?  Talk to your ob/gyn about the possible use of oxytocin during your baby’s delivery.  Make a plan with him or her regarding the dosage and time intervals of oxytocin if you are at risk for needing this medication during delivery.  After all, this conversation might keep you from a cesarean section – and that is just better all the way around!