Pregnancy in adolescence

From the sixties of last century, pregnancy in adolescents is an event was considered problematic and a public health problem to be prevented. Besides the high incidence considered, pregnancy in this age group was associated with the abandonment of studies, the occupational injury and future family conflicts, and labeled for inappropriate, irresponsible, inappropriate, unwanted or early.

This is the representation that it has spread in the media and is established as true.


One of these surveys, conducted in a municipality of Ijuí in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, with 46% of pregnant women up to 18 years of age whose birth occurred in 2005, showed that the majority of the interviewees is in the final phase of adolescence ( 69% are between 16 and 18 years), not studying or working (78%), became pregnant within a stable relationship with an older partner (72% live with husband or partner) and 84% denies conflict on pregnancy .

These data show a profile of teenage pregnancy different concept of unintended pregnancy, unwanted or conflicting, suggesting that many adolescents of the popular classes have a similar behavior to those of previous generations of women in the age suitable for marriage and motherhood. Without prospects of progress in studies or fall in the labor market, opt for union with his companions, on which a pregnancy is a foreseeable event and even desired.

These results can not be considered a pregnancy in adolescence in a homogeneous and, although not all the opportunities in something positive and free of risks or problems, it is not always accidental, irresponsible or problematic.

The speech only on the adolescent pregnancy has led to discrimination and social costs to those adolescents who, along with his companions, would like to live with joy and happiness to their pregnancy.

The recognition of multiple meanings and different contexts related to adolescent pregnancy can make a change in how the society, health systems and professionals identify and interpret the event. Does not prevent what is desired. The profile of teenage pregnancy will acquire different characteristics of the current when and if the company has features such as better distribution of income and equal rights and opportunities.



How to prevent pregnancy


The one hundred percent effective method to prevent pregnancy is abstinence, is not having sex. But the contraceptive methods to help prevent unwanted pregnancy, allowing the experience of sexuality be healthy and safe.

The degree of effectiveness varies from method to method. In some cases, as with the pill and condoms, the level of effectiveness depends, too, of a more or less correct and continuous use of the method. Some have contra-indications and e side effects. So before choosing a contraceptive method you must make an appointment for family planning or consult your doctor.

There are some factors that must be weighed and examined by a doctor or health professional, such as the age and lifestyle, if you have or intend to have more children, the state of health in general, the need for protection against infections of sexual transmission, etc.

Above all, remember that the responsibility for the prevention of unwanted pregnancy falls when the two partners.

What contraceptive methods are available?


* Hormonal oral contraception (commonly known as pill)
* Hormonal Contraceptive injection
* Contraceptive-hormonal implant
* Intra-uterine device (IUD)
* Male Spermicides *
*Periodic abstinence / self
* Surgical Contraception
* Emergency contraception




The condom is the only contraceptive method that both protects against sexually transmitted infections.