Adolescent pregnancy - medical, legal and social issues.

Abstract

The purpose of the article: The article aims to indicate the interdisciplinary and complex nature of the problem of adolescent pregnancy.

Materials and methods: An analysis of materials contained in the literature on adolescent pregnancy was used.

Results: Adolescent pregnancy is both a serious health and social challenge. Lack of proper sex education, regressive age of sexual initiation, emotional immaturity and limited access to contraception are the main reasons for teenage pregnancy. It can also be the result of sexual abuse, which is a punishable offense. Pregnancy in minors is associated with a higher risk of complications for both the mother and the fetus, such as hypertension, preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia. Pregnancy is a significant psychological burden and a major trauma for girls. Low socioeconomic status and lack of support from the family or partner exacerbate this problem, increasing the risk of depression and substance abuse. As a multidisciplinary problem, it requires action on multiple fronts to prevent it and to reduce the number of adolescent pregnancies. Increasing access to contraception, medical care, and sexual education is crucial in combating this issue. Adolescent pregnant women are a group of women who require special antenatal care. When planning educational activities for these patients, one should remember about the specific needs of said girls related to key nutrients such as iodine, iron, folic acid, and calcium. A poor diet may result from difficult living conditions and conflicts with family and partners. Moreover, this pregnancy is often unplanned.

Conclusions: A good solution for pregnant adolescents would be the possibility of specialized assistance not only in gynecology and obstetrics, sexology, but also pedagogical, psychological, sociological and dietary.