Adolescence is the period when the transition from childhood to adulthood is completed. According to the World Health Organization, the age range of adolescence is accepted as 10 to 19. The adolescent population covers 20% of the world. 85% of the adolescent pregnancy group in this 20% group lives in developing countries. In both developed and developing countries, adolescent pregnancy causes significant health problems.
The fertility rate for the 15 to 19 age group worldwide is 54%. In our country, this rate is 46%. Research conducted by the Ministry of Health has shown that factors such as menarche age, socioeconomic level, education and employment status have an impact on the occurrence of adolescent pregnancies.
Adolescent pregnancy also includes some risk factors. These risk factors are quite complex and multifaceted. Abortion, premature birth risk, hypertension that may occur during pregnancy , anemia, low birth weight, congenital anomaly risk, and increased HIV are among the risks of adolescent pregnancy.
Socioeconomic status is one of the most important reasons underlying adolescent pregnancies. In order to eliminate this situation, the socioeconomic levels of countries need to improve and per capita income needs to increase. In addition, it is very important to provide adequate counseling services on adolescence and pregnancy.
Risks of adolescent pregnancy
The reason why pregnancies during adolescence pose a risk is that the mother-to-be is not yet physically and psychologically ready to give birth and become a mother. As a result of adolescence pregnancy, childbirth is also very difficult. The reason for this is that the pelvic muscles have not yet completed their development during adolescence. All these reasons can pose serious risks for the mother during adolescence.
How is the baby affected during adolescent pregnancy?
The biggest problem encountered in adolescent pregnancies is the infant deaths that occur. Studies have shown that infant deaths are much higher in mothers under the age of 15 than in women under the age of 20. In addition, the baby in the womb is at greater risk of premature birth or miscarriage.
In adolescent pregnancies, even if the baby is born healthy, the risk of serious developmental and mental retardation problems is quite high. A baby being born with a low birth weight can also lead to neurological diseases. Neurological diseases can also lead to neurological disorders such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy and epilepsy in the baby in later years.
Family planning education in adolescent pregnancies
In order to prevent adolescent pregnancies, it is necessary to provide good family planning education. Pregnancies that may occur during adolescence can also be prevented with family planning education. For this, individuals in this period should be given education on issues such as sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases, and birth control methods.
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