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Teenage pregnancy

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
 
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Teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted problem that concerns parents, the public and, of course, medicine. Consider the main aspects of this issue and the warning options.

Maternity in adolescence with the years does not lose its relevance, and today is at the peak of significance. This is not surprising, since this event is distressing and burdensome for everyone, both for relatives and teenagers. This complicates the choice of further life path, limits the possibility of education and future career growth and most importantly - jeopardizes health.

  • From the physiological point of view, the process of gestation is much more complicated than in adults. The thing is that the organism of the future young mother is not yet fully formed, and the birth process is often complicated by trauma of the sexual organs, miscarriage of the child, miscarriages. Children of young parturient women suffer from hypoxia, have less height and weight, congenital pathologies.
  • If we consider the issue from a psychological point of view, this negatively affects the process of socialization. As to young mums the prejudiced attitude from peers, adults and even relatives. In such a difficult situation it is necessary to support the child, even if the situation seems wrong to you. The main task is not to leave young parents alone with the problem.

As a warning, a set of measures is used aimed at fostering a serious attitude towards family values. That is, familiarization with the means of contraception, this is not the solution of the question. It is necessary to explain the expediency of their application. It is recommended that children from time to time participate in the care of the younger, this will help to understand what care is and determine the willingness to take responsibility. But the primary task is to closely monitor the child's physical changes and talk about motherhood and possible problems of family life.

The problem of teenage pregnancy

The problem of motherhood at a young age remains significant for many years. And it's not surprising, this event postpones its impact on the future fate of young parents. Bearing in young mothers takes place in a special way and is accompanied by a number of problems. The only plus is that young girls are fertile in comparison with older women, that is, their reproductive system is healthy, so conception occurs quickly.

But the body is not ready to bear a new life, since the balance of hormones has not yet stabilized, the pelvic bones have not expanded, that is, the body is growing. There is a high risk of severe toxicosis, child and maternal mortality, miscarriage. The probability of death in a 15-year-old woman in labor is much higher than that of an adult woman. As for abortion at a young age, this can lead to very serious consequences. Most often these are severe bleeding, adhesions in the ovaries and fallopian tubes, blood infection, perforation of the uterus and infertility. In addition to physiological problems, one should not forget about psychological ones.

  • To solve a problem: to keep or leave the future child, it is necessary taking into account all factors. First of all, it is worth taking the opinion of the future mother. There is no need to cause additional trauma to the teenage psyche, forcing to have an abortion, give birth, or give up for adoption.
  • It is necessary to apply to a women's consultation and undergo a complete examination. Since very often sex at an early age leads to STDs, and pregnancy is ectopic. After visiting the hospital, you can seek help from a psychologist or talk to your daughter yourself. The task of the parents at this stage is to find out whether their child's situation is the result of violence or seduction.
  • If a decision is made to have an abortion, it is better to do the procedure in the early term and in a medical institution. Do not pull until the call of artificial delivery, as this is dangerous for the psyche and the health of the girl. In any case, there is a long recovery period.

All responsibility in this matter lies with the parents. Under the control it is necessary to keep absolutely everything, from food, to visiting the hospital. The closest associates, that is, their peers and friends, need support in such a difficult period. If it was decided to save the child, the future mother will have to train in housekeeping, taking care of the newborn and breastfeeding.

Statistics of pregnancy in adolescence in the world

Despite the great informativeness about this issue, statistics remain relevant for today. About 75% of girls make abortions late, resulting in infertility, 15% of pregnancies result in miscarriages and only 13% with possible complications. Tragedy of the situation is that motherhood, which in itself is a joy, becomes a problem for young parents and a real tragedy. It involves great psychological problems and very dangerous complications for health.

In 1939, the earliest and successful pregnancy was recorded in Peru. At the age of 5.5 years, Leena Medina gave birth to a healthy boy weighing 2.7 kg. This event is listed in the Guinness Book of Records, and the girl is recognized as the youngest mother in the world. A similar case occurred in Russia with a girl of 6 years. So far the development of the reproductive system is a rare case, but it is sometimes found in medical practice.

Maternity at a young age is one of the main causes of death, both the mother and the child. The World Health Organization has produced a brochure that summarizes the main factors and recommendations for preventing this trend.

  • Every year in the world, 16 million girls (one in five) are registered for pregnancy. Most often this happens in low-income countries. 3 million girls aged 15-19 years make abortions every year.
  • More than a third of girls in some countries report that the first sex was forced and caused an abortion or unwanted child.

Based on this information, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution that calls on states to take measures to improve the health of young people. In this regard, the policy of protection from early childbirth and access to contraception was revised. Access to information on early reproductive and sexual health and marriage was provided.

Causes of Teen Pregnancy

There are many causes of pregnancy during the transition period, and not always this is associated with debauchery or ignorance. This can be due to coercive factors, violent actions or lack of sexual education.

  • Lack of sexual education or lack of it. In any case, all responsibility falls on the parents' shoulders. Many parents do not always find the time for a frank conversation with the child, and some adults themselves lead an antisocial way of life, thereby showing the wrong example.
  • In educational institutions there should be lessons of sexual enlightenment, but most often they are absent. Responsibility falls on the social services and psychological centers, which should protect families and children.
  • Sexual emancipation - according to statistics, about 90% of young people already have sex before the age of 20. The average age of young women in childbirth is 16 years. Availability of alcohol, drugs, pornography contribute to pathology. But the most sad thing is that all this is inherent in a young age, as there is a desire to stand out and excel.
  • Contraception - ignorance of the foundations or neglect of them leads to problems. As a rule, this is due to the lack of basic knowledge, sex education or financial insolvency. But most often it's a shame and a fear to buy contraceptives on people or misuse them.
  • Violence - beating or coercion into sex is included in the category of sexual violence. The unhealthy atmosphere of the family acts as a psychological pressure and also has an impact on early sexual life and its negative consequences.
  • Socio-economic situation - most cases of this pathology falls on poor countries. In this case, motherhood at a young age is an opportunity to receive financial assistance for a child.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]

Who to contact?

Preventing teenage pregnancy

Prevention of early childbearing should be based on a trusting relationship with a teenager. This provides frank conversations that will help to warn against ill-considered actions. A certain responsibility falls on sex education in educational institutions, that is, providing full information about methods of contraception and the consequences of its absence. The information should be correctly submitted, but without intimidation.

A competent confidential conversation and correctly explained information will help to avoid many problems. If the child does not feel fear or embarrassment to the parents, then in case of a problem, he will turn to the relatives for help, and not look for dubious and dangerous ways to solve it. This will save life and health, both to the future mother, and to the newborn baby. Do not forget that adolescence is a period of rebellion, so moralizing or criticism is inappropriate. Only confidential, frank relations guarantee security.

Social advertising against teenage pregnancy

To date, social advertising is one of the leading places to prevent maternity at an early age. This is true for the whole world community, so the leading advertising companies produce videos and conduct actions to get to know the problem.

In New York, a social advertising campaign was conducted, which, according to the plan of the creators, should prevent childbearing. Posters with inscriptions were posted around the city: "Daddy, you'll have to support me with all your youth" or "Mom, what will happen to me if your dad throws you?". The main slogan of the company: "Do you think it's worth nothing to be a teenage parent? Prepare to spend more than 10 thousand dollars every year. " But most of all I was struck by a poster of a one-year-old kid, who addressed to future parents: "I have little chance to finish school, because you are a teenager." Almost all posters stressed that future parents are doomed, live in poverty, like their child.

Another sensational social advertisement was carried out by the portal babycanwait.com. A series of prints with the slogan was issued: "Give birth to a child in his youth, and he will control your future life."

Movies about teenage pregnancy

There are quite a few films that show pregnancy at a young age and all aspects of a similar situation. Consider the sensational and popular films:

  • "With Love, Rosie" (2014)
  • "Pregnancy contract" (2010)
  • The "Jump" (2010)
  • "The Treasure" (2009)
  • Juno (2007)
  • "Strong Woman" (2001)
  • "Where the Heart" (2000)
  • "Children under 16" (2000)
  • "For how long?" (1988)

For cognitive and instructive purposes, we offer you a list of serials, comedies and musicals that somehow, but affect the theme of motherhood in adolescence. Some films tell of the complex life of a single mother and the attitude of society towards childbearing at a young age.

  • "Spring Awakening" (2006)
  • "Stephanie Daily" (2006)
  • "Too young to be a father" (2002)
  • "Saved!" (2004)
  • "Hill of one tree" (2003-2012)
  • "Rules of winemakers" (1999)
  • "Hurrying time to Ridgemont High" (1982)
  • The Blue Lagoon (1980)

Teenage pregnancy is a topic that is relevant to any society. And this is not surprising, since the problem leaves a mark on a future life, both for young parents and their loved ones. Explicit conversations, awareness and other preventive measures can prevent not only the birth of an unwanted child, but also many complications of sexual activity at an early age.

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