Many pregnant teens wait until the second or third trimester to seek prenatal care. The nurse should understand that the reasons behind this delay include:

Question

a. Lack of realization that they are pregnant.
b. Uncertainty as to where to go for care.
c. Continuing to deny the pregnancy.
d. A desire to gain control over their situation.
e. Wanting to hide the pregnancy as long as possible.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, C, E
These are all valid reasons for the teen to delay seeking prenatal care. An adolescent often has little to no understanding of the increased physiologic needs that a pregnancy places on her body. Once care is sought, it is often sporadic, and many appointments are missed. The nurse should formulate a diagnosis that assists the pregnant teen to receive adequate prenatal care. Planning for her pregnancy and impending birth actually provides some sense of control for the teen and increases feelings of competency. Receiving praise from the nurse when she attends her prenatal appointments will reinforce the teen's positive self-image.