Riscos para a saúde da gravidez na adolescência

Health Risks Of Teen Pregnancy

A girl can become pregnant even before she begins menstruation. For most girls, a regular menstrual cycle will begin between the ages of 11 and 16. During these formative years, bones are not mature, and over all growth is not yet finished. Becoming pregnant as during the teen years pose some serious health risks, not only to themselves, but to the unborn child.

First and formost, getting the professional health care needed during the early months greatly reduces complications. Many soon to be teen moms neglect to seek care during the first 4 months of the pregnancy because they are either scared or in denial. Not seeking care puts not only the teen mom in danger, but the unborn child as well. It is important for a pregnant teen to be especially vigilent about nutrition, excersise, proper health care, and rest, because her body is still growing.

Teen moms are more likely to have a baby that is premature and low birth weight. A premature baby is one that is born too early. Some of these babies do die. The ones that make it tend to have problems later in life, mental and physical problems are included. A low birth weight baby is one that is born with a weight of less than 5 1/2 pounds. These babies have a greater risk of being born with major birth defects.

The risks for the teen mom are great as well. Pregnancy and birth can put a tremendous strain on a teenager's body. If bone structure is not fully developed, she takes the risk of injuring her spine and pelvic bones, altering her life forever. It is also well known that the irresponsible behaviors some teens exhibit may put them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases can be easily spread to an unborn baby. If untreated, disasterous consequences can occur.

With all this in mind, it is still unclear why so many teenaged girls end up pregnant every year. However, proper care is key if pregancy does occur to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the mother and child.