This December, there is an issue that parents should be aware of and it is the so-called, "September baby" phenomenon. It is something to keep an eye on, especially for those who have teenagers because it is during this month that many teens engage in sexual relations with their partners.
In an article published by IOL, statistics show that more babies are born on September for the past three years compared to other months. It does make sense that they were conceived during the time of the holidays when everyone seems to be in a festive mood. In South Africa alone, there are 80,000 babies that are born from teenage moms.
It is not advisable that teens get themselves in a situation where they would get pregnant early because it won't be healthy for them both physically and mentally. Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, health department head for KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, is urging teens all over the country to practice abstinence or at least safe sex this season. This would help them not be a part of the "September baby" statistic.
Dhlomo also pointed out that death could be inevitable for both the potential mother and her child if this is not resolved. Teenagers are not exactly aware of what they are getting themselves into if they get themselves pregnant before they are ready for it.
Some could go into a depression to the point that they would commit suicide. Others have even lost their minds and just gave up on life that they were confined in mental asylums.
Times Live also reported this phenomenon saying that teenagers who are below 18 are at risk if they ever deliver a child whose weight falls 3.8 kg. These facts are enough for teens to listen and be wary of their actions. Parents, on the other hand, are also advised to do their job and educate them about safe sex and just sex in general.
