Early pregnancy signs in teenagers

Signs, Effects, Diagnosis, and Prevention

How common is teenage pregnancy?

Teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in a woman 19 years of age or younger. A woman can get pregnant if she has vaginal sex with a man at any age after she’s begun having regular monthly periods.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, around 194,000 babies were born to American girls between the ages of 15 to 19.

While the number of teenage pregnancies in the United States has been in decline, it still remains higher than in other industrialized countries.

Teens are at a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and its complications than average age mothers. Risks for the baby include premature birth and low birth weight. Preeclampsia can also harm the kidneys or even be fatal for mother or baby.

Pregnant teens also have a higher chance of becoming anemic. Anemia is a reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs). This can make you feel weak and tired and can affect your baby’s development.

Giving birth in the United States is safer than ever, but it’s still more dangerous for a teen than for a woman 20 or older. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, complications during pregnancy or childbirth are the leading cause of death globally for girls ages 15 to 19.

If you get pregnant as a teen, you might feel frightened and worried about telling your family and friends. Not talking to someone and not getting the help and support you need, can make you feel more isolated and depressed. This can lead to problems in home and at school.

Many pregnant teens drop out of school, and some never complete their education. That means a lot of mothers who get pregnant as teenagers live in poverty.

Women who first got pregnant as teens are more likely to have more than one child. About one in fiveTrusted Source births to a teen mother is a repeat birth. A woman with little education and multiple children to care for will find it very difficult to earn a living.

A healthy pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. A baby that’s delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy is

premature. Teen mothers are more likelyTrusted Source to give birth to premature babies.

Sometimes, these babies lack complete development in their bodies and brains. Depending on how premature the baby is, this can lead to lifelong difficulties with health and development.

Premature babies also tend to be underweight. Underweight babies might have trouble breathing and feeding as infants. As adults, underweight babies are more susceptible to diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Low birth weight also affects brain development. Children who were born underweight have been observed to have learning difficulties.

In addition to having an increased risk of being underweight, infants born to teenage mothers are also at a higher risk of infant mortality.

Fathering a child as a teenager can be a frightening and life-changing event. Teen fathers don’t have to worry about the health implications of pregnancy and childbirth, but they could face similar difficulties staying in school and earning a living.

State laws vary on the legal age for people to have sexual intercourse.

Arrest or legal action against teens who are sexually active can have devastating effects. A young man may be required to register as a sex offender if he has reached the legal age (age 18 in some states) and his partner has not (age 17 or under).

Most supermarkets and drugstores sell home pregnancy tests. These tests are designed to detect pregnancy hormones in your urine. They’re most accurate if you use them more than a week after your missed period.

If a home pregnancy test indicates you’re not pregnant, wait a week, and take another test to make sure.

If a home test shows you’re pregnant, you need to make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll confirm your pregnancy with a blood test and maybe a physical exam.

Teens who become pregnant may be afraid to see a doctor, but it’s extremely important for the safety of the mother and the unborn child.

Your doctor should discuss all options with you regarding your pregnancy, including:

abortion, or ending the pregnancy medically
adoption, or giving birth and legally permitting someone else to raise your child
giving birth and raising the child yourself

Ideally, the future father and family members of both mother and father will be involved in making the best decisions. However, this isn’t always possible.

Birth control clinics and public health offices can provide counseling information to help you make the right choices for you and your baby.

Teen moms can have healthy babies. Make sure you see your doctor as soon as you know you’re pregnant, and attend all your scheduled appointments.

Proper obstetrical care throughout your pregnancy is so important to the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Eat well, exercise, and confide in supportive friends and family members.

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been shown to lower birth weight and cause babies to be born prematurely. You shouldn’t smoke during pregnancy.

Drugs and alcohol can have very damaging effects on a mother and her unborn child. Don’t drink alcohol or use illicit drugs during pregnancy. If you think you might be addicted to drugs or alcohol, ask your doctor about counseling and treatment programs to help you quit.

Only take the medicines your doctor prescribes. Make sure your doctor knows about any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines you are taking.

It’s important for all pregnant women to get proper medical care regardless of how old they are. But because teens’ bodies are still developing, seeing a doctor regularly is especially important for teen mothers.

You’ll see a lot of your doctor during your pregnancy.

During the first six months, you’ll probably have an appointment at least once every month. In the last months of your pregnancy, you may see your doctor every other week, ending with weekly visits in your final month. These visits are to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

At the doctor’s office, you’ll be weighed, your blood pressure will be taken, and your stomach will be measured. As your baby develops, the doctor will feel its position and listen for its heartbeat.

Your doctor will ask how you’re feeling and if you have any questions. They’ll usually then explain what you can expect during the upcoming weeks of your pregnancy.

It’s a good idea to write down any questions or concerns you have so that you can remember to ask them during your appointment. Make sure you talk to your doctor about your health, the baby’s health, and any emotional or family concerns you have.

See your doctor right away if you have:

any vaginal bleeding
severe or continuous headache
dimness or blurring of vision
abdominal pain
persistent vomiting
chills or fever
pain or burning during urination
leaking of fluid from your vagina
swelling or pain in your legs

The only way to be sure you won’t get pregnant is to not have sexual intercourse. However, there are many methods to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant if you’re sexually active.

According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, an abstinence-only sex education was positively correlated with an increase in teen pregnancies.

Many communities offer counseling and support programs that help prevent teen pregnancy.

These groups can provide information on birth control and help teens understand their own sexual limits so they don’t get into situations where they might have unprotected sex and get pregnant.

Some programs offer peer counseling, since it might feel more comfortable talking to someone your own age. Contact your health department for information on programs in your area.

Prescription birth control is available through your doctor or a women’s health clinic.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a device a doctor implants in your uterus. The procedure is well tolerated, and hospitalization isn’t required. The IUD prevents pregnancy by various mechanisms. It has a 99 percent rate of effectiveness, according to Planned Parenthood.

IUDs are sold under the following brand names:

Kyleena
Liletta
Mirena
ParaGard
Skyla

Birth control implant

Several birth control methods affect hormone levels in your body, so you’re less likely to get pregnant. The most effective is a birth control implant, also called Nexplanon.

This is a very small plastic stick that’s inserted under the skin of your arm. Implants stay in place for up to three years. They have a 99 percent rate of effectiveness.

Other methods

Birth control pills, shots, and patches also affect your hormone levels. They have an effectiveness rate of 91 to 94 percent. Examples of available brands include:

Alesse, Apri, Enpresse, Loestrin, Ortho-Novum, Yasmin, and many more (pills)
Depo-Provera (shot)
Ortho Evra (patch)

The diaphragm and cervical cap (FemCap) are devices you place in your vagina when you’re going to have sex. They block sperm from entering your uterus. The effectiveness of these devices is 71 to 88 percent.

You can also buy over-the-counter (OTC) birth control at a drugstore and some supermarkets. These methods are not as effective as prescription birth control, but they do reduce your chance of getting pregnant.

Condoms

Teen pregnancy rates have been dropping in the United States for at least 25 years. Experts think this is because more sexually active teens use condoms.

Proper use of a condom can keep you from getting pregnant. When used correctly, condoms also protect you from many sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The effectiveness of condoms is 85 percent.

Birth control sponge

Sponges treated with spermicide also block sperm from entering your uterus. Used properly, these methods prevent pregnancy with an effectiveness of 76 to 88 percent. The brand of sponge sold in the United States is called the Today Sponge.

Morning-after pill

Available from the brands Plan B One-Step, Ella, and Next Choice, this medicine contains hormones that prevent your body from releasing eggs into your uterus and cause the lining of the uterus to shed, inhibiting implantation.

Eggs have to come into contact with sperm for you to get pregnant and need to implant in order to start developing properly.

The morning-after pill might be a good choice for you if you think your regular birth control didn’t work or you weren’t using birth control. Women 17 and older do not need a prescription for the morning-after pill.

The effectiveness of the morning-after pills such as Plan B One-Step and Next Choice is 75 to 89 percent if taken within three days of having unprotected sex, according to Planned Parenthood. The effectiveness of the Ella morning-after pill is 85 percent if you take it within five days of having unprotected sex.

Although teens can often safely deliver healthy babies, there are possible health concerns for both mother and child. If you become pregnant, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your pregnancy.

There are many methods available to help prevent pregnancy, including IUDs, birth control pills, and condoms.

Additionally, many groups, such as SHIFT NC in North Carolina and Planned Parenthood, offer support or counseling programs for teens. You should also be sure to look for regional groups in your state or city.

Signs, Effects, Diagnosis, and Prevention

How common is teenage pregnancy?

Teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in a woman 19 years of age or younger. A woman can get pregnant if she has vaginal sex with a man at any age after she’s begun having regular monthly periods.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, around 194,000 babies were born to American girls between the ages of 15 to 19.

While the number of teenage pregnancies in the United States has been in decline, it still remains higher than in other industrialized countries.

Many pregnant teens drop out of school, and some never complete their education. That means a lot of mothers who get pregnant as teenagers live in poverty.

A healthy pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. A baby that’s delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy is

premature. Teen mothers are more likelyTrusted Source to give birth to premature babies.

Sometimes, these babies lack complete development in their bodies and brains. Depending on how premature the baby is, this can lead to lifelong difficulties with health and development.

Low birth weight also affects brain development. Children who were born underweight have been observed to have learning difficulties.

In addition to having an increased risk of being underweight, infants born to teenage mothers are also at a higher risk of infant mortality.

State laws vary on the legal age for people to have sexual intercourse.

If a home pregnancy test indicates you’re not pregnant, wait a week, and take another test to make sure.

If a home test shows you’re pregnant, you need to make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll confirm your pregnancy with a blood test and maybe a physical exam.

Teens who become pregnant may be afraid to see a doctor, but it’s extremely important for the safety of the mother and the unborn child.

Your doctor should discuss all options with you regarding your pregnancy, including:

abortion, or ending the pregnancy medically
adoption, or giving birth and legally permitting someone else to raise your child
giving birth and raising the child yourself

Ideally, the future father and family members of both mother and father will be involved in making the best decisions. However, this isn’t always possible.

Birth control clinics and public health offices can provide counseling information to help you make the right choices for you and your baby.

Teen moms can have healthy babies. Make sure you see your doctor as soon as you know you’re pregnant, and attend all your scheduled appointments.

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been shown to lower birth weight and cause babies to be born prematurely. You shouldn’t smoke during pregnancy.

Only take the medicines your doctor prescribes. Make sure your doctor knows about any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines you are taking.

You’ll see a lot of your doctor during your pregnancy.

Your doctor will ask how you’re feeling and if you have any questions. They’ll usually then explain what you can expect during the upcoming weeks of your pregnancy.

See your doctor right away if you have:

any vaginal bleeding
severe or continuous headache
dimness or blurring of vision
abdominal pain
persistent vomiting
chills or fever
pain or burning during urination
leaking of fluid from your vagina
swelling or pain in your legs

The only way to be sure you won’t get pregnant is to not have sexual intercourse. However, there are many methods to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant if you’re sexually active.

According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, an abstinence-only sex education was positively correlated with an increase in teen pregnancies.

Many communities offer counseling and support programs that help prevent teen pregnancy.

These groups can provide information on birth control and help teens understand their own sexual limits so they don’t get into situations where they might have unprotected sex and get pregnant.

Some programs offer peer counseling, since it might feel more comfortable talking to someone your own age. Contact your health department for information on programs in your area.

Prescription birth control is available through your doctor or a women’s health clinic.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

IUDs are sold under the following brand names:

Kyleena
Liletta
Mirena
ParaGard
Skyla

Birth control implant

Several birth control methods affect hormone levels in your body, so you’re less likely to get pregnant. The most effective is a birth control implant, also called Nexplanon.

This is a very small plastic stick that’s inserted under the skin of your arm. Implants stay in place for up to three years. They have a 99 percent rate of effectiveness.

Other methods

Birth control pills, shots, and patches also affect your hormone levels. They have an effectiveness rate of 91 to 94 percent. Examples of available brands include:

Alesse, Apri, Enpresse, Loestrin, Ortho-Novum, Yasmin, and many more (pills)
Depo-Provera (shot)
Ortho Evra (patch)

Condoms

Teen pregnancy rates have been dropping in the United States for at least 25 years. Experts think this is because more sexually active teens use condoms.

Proper use of a condom can keep you from getting pregnant. When used correctly, condoms also protect you from many sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The effectiveness of condoms is 85 percent.

Birth control sponge

Morning-after pill

Eggs have to come into contact with sperm for you to get pregnant and need to implant in order to start developing properly.

There are many methods available to help prevent pregnancy, including IUDs, birth control pills, and condoms.

Early pregnancy in adolescents, at 16: signs, symptoms, what to do

Both those and others begin to search through all possible literature and websites in search of all possible signs of pregnancy. At the same time, especially suspicious ones can find pregnancy symptoms where there are none, simply by reading about what it can be and by forcing their subconscious to create these signs in themselves. However, from the point of view of obstetrics, the desire of a woman to detect signs and symptoms of pregnancy in the early stages is a very useful desire, since an early examination allows you to determine the presence of pathologies in the body, both of the woman herself and the fetus, thereby allowing the fetus to develop correctly.

But in order to determine her “interesting position”, a woman needs to know what are the signs of pregnancy, when they begin to appear, what should you pay special attention to?

All signs of pregnancy can be divided into:

obvious signs of pregnancy - you are definitely pregnant.
doubtful signs of pregnancy - possible, but unlikely.
probable signs of pregnancy - most likely, but maybe not.

The first includes a positive pregnancy test, the result of a gynecological examination, a fetus detected by ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

Probable include subjective and folk symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, weight changes, headaches, and retention.

Questionable signs include irritability and mood swings, indigestion and fatigue, unless other more obvious symptoms are present.

The first signs of pregnancy

A woman can detect the first signs of pregnancy before the delay already on the 10th day after conception. At the same time, those who did not plan to have a child will not pay any attention to them, and those who have long dreamed of a baby can cause them somatically. But what is certainly useless to do is to look for signs of pregnancy the day after sex.

Sex is not conception, spermatozoa can live in a woman's body up to 7 days after sex, during which one of them can fertilize an egg. Then the fertilized egg divides and enters the uterus, where it is already attached. This three-step process is conception.

Therefore, trying to find signs of pregnancy on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and even 7th day after sex will be a waste of time.

The question immediately arises about the signs of pregnancy: after how many days should you start listening to yourself, trying to detect them? And how many signs do you need to discover in yourself in order to be completely sure that conception has occurred? One, to calm down, is enough to find 5 signs of pregnancy, the second - 8, the third - 10-1. The more persistent ones try to detect 20-25 signs of pregnancy in themselves at once, and the most-most try to detect no less than 100 signs of pregnancy in themselves. The last to be awarded medals for perseverance...

One of the most likely first signs of pregnancy before menstruation is a change in basal temperature that occurs before the embryo enters the uterus, but only those women who have experience in measuring it and who know what the temperature was in the beginning of the cycle.

The more time passes from conception, the more signs of pregnancy can be found in a woman and the more pronounced they become. These signs can be:

dizziness;
pressure change;
drowsiness or insomnia;
thrush;
frequent urination;
nosebleeds;
throbbing in abdomen;
breast augmentation;
sore nipples;
appearance of colostrum;
unusual discharge;
heaviness in the abdomen;
constant desire to scratch the stomach;
increased salivation or dry mouth;
frequent belching;
gases;
loose stools or constipation;
nausea;
loss of appetite;
heartburn;
increase or decrease in temperature;
pain in the back, abdomen, chest, ovaries;
chronic runny or stuffy nose;
feeling chills and more.

Pregnancy signs of the fetus

By itself, the sex of the child is set at conception, but it can be determined by modern medical methods only with ultrasound at the fourth month of pregnancy. And of course, that most women cannot endure such a long period and begin to look for signs of pregnancy as a boy or signs of pregnancy as a girl. It all depends on the desire of the woman whom she would like to give birth to.

It is worth noting that this method of determining gender is not accurate, and in some cases even absurd and has something similar to folk signs of determining the weather. For example, the Chinese, back in the middle of the century, believed that the first signs of pregnancy as a boy are the germination of barley grains faster than wheat grains, provided that they were watered with the urine of a pregnant woman.

Now women are trying to determine the first signs of pregnancy as a girl or a boy by the culinary whims of the woman, by the date of conception, by the Chinese and Japanese calendars, by bioenergetic fields, by the shape of the abdomen, by which direction the baby is pushing, whether the pregnant woman feels herself in dreams of a man, what shade of urine, which leg is placed first when climbing a hill, on which side of the navel is a strip on the stomach, and many others.

Signs of pregnancy in adolescents

Of course, the signs of pregnancy in adolescents are no different from those in an adult woman, but in adolescents it is more difficult from the point of view of psychology. Firstly, a young girl for the time being may not even suspect that she is in a position, and secondly, even having suspected pregnancy, teenagers are afraid to share their suspicions with adults.

The first signs of pregnancy in adolescents may indicate many other things besides the child itself, especially if the girl focuses only on the delay in menstruation.

During adolescence, many girls experience delays due to ongoing hormonal changes, stress and exercise.

In some cases, there are delays of up to six months, but in this case, you should consult a doctor to rule out gynecological problems.

Sexually active adolescent girls should also be on the lookout for nausea or vomiting, increased urination, breast tenderness, dizziness, and changes in appetite. Noticing such changes, the girl should buy a pregnancy test, and then with a probability of 99% will be able to find out if she is pregnant or not.

Since teenagers often try to hide their situation, mothers should also pay attention to changes in their daughters' behavior in order to understand what is happening in time and support them.

Signs of pregnancy 2

Very often, women who have already given birth are interested in the question of whether the signs of the second pregnancy will differ from what it was during the first. In most cases, the second pregnancy will be much easier than the first, provided that the woman was healthy at the time of conception.

Another important condition for a woman not to worry too much during the second pregnancy is the interval between the first and second pregnancy, which should optimally be at least three years, during which the amount of iron in the blood is restored.

Usually, the first signs of the second pregnancy appear earlier than the first, since the uterus after childbirth, although it is reduced, but still its final size becomes larger than before.

Belly enlarges a month and a half earlier than last time.

Other signs of a second pregnancy begin to appear earlier, such as a feeling of fetal movement, which this time can be felt as early as the fourth month.

Another difference between the second pregnancy and the first is the lower position of the abdomen, associated with stretching of the muscles and ligaments of the abdominal cavity after the first conception. Of the advantages of this arrangement of the fetus, it should be noted that there are no problems with digestion and easier breathing than last time. And of the minuses - frequent urge to urinate in the later stages.

No signs of pregnancy

The absence of signs of pregnancy in the first 1-2 months of a young mother is quite normal, and you should not worry about it. The same toxicosis, which many women complain about, occurs no earlier than the fifth week and not all of them. Also, weakness may not be observed, the mammary glands may not increase in size, etc.

Of course, pregnancy cannot proceed without signs, but if the expectant mother has not given birth before, she is young and healthy and has certain genetic characteristics of the body, then she can notice that she is pregnant by 4-5 months, that is, by the moment when the fetus begins to develop rapidly, and the stomach will grow. At the same time, in some cases, for 2 months after conception, during the period when menstruation should be, a woman may experience similar discharge, and a subsequent delay of 1-2 months can be attributed to a pregnant woman for hormonal changes.

And it happens that at first everything was talking about a normal pregnancy, and then the signs of pregnancy suddenly disappeared. In this case, of course, you should immediately consult a doctor, but there is no need to panic. Very often this happens after a stressful situation or alcohol intake, and it disappears already for 2-3 days. And sometimes it can be a sign of a missed pregnancy.

Signs of a missed pregnancy

The first signs of a missed pregnancy can occur at any time, but most often the cessation of fetal development occurs before 14 weeks.

At the same time, a frozen pregnancy may not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, in order to find out in time about the death of the fetus, it is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist, take all the necessary tests and do an ultrasound scan.

Otherwise, the woman may develop intoxication, sepsis or even death.

The first sign of an undeveloped pregnancy is a decrease in basal body temperature. In the second trimester, the cessation of fetal movement is added to this. Otherwise, with an undeveloped pregnancy, the signs in all three trimesters are the same:

general temperature increase;
frequent spotting;
breasts stop growing;
toxicosis stops abruptly;
lower abdomen begins to ache;
ultrasound does not hear the fetal heartbeat;
size mismatch of the uterus;
low hCG level.

In most cases, a woman's subjective feelings cannot serve as an indicator of a miscarriage, and without regular visits to the doctor, it is impossible to ensure that the pregnancy develops normally.

Signs of pregnancy after IVF

Another early sign of pregnancy after IVF can be pulling pains in the lower abdomen and an increase in basal body temperature above 37°C. And of course, just like those who conceived naturally, the breasts will increase and symptoms of a cold will appear, there will be a delay.

Naturally, all of the above cannot be called 100% signs of pregnancy, and in order to be sure that IVF was successful, you need to buy a pregnancy test, which will be indicative a week after the delay occurs. Also, do not neglect a visit to the gynecologist, who will not only accurately confirm the pregnancy, but also advise you on what and how to do in the future.

White Sergey
Similar site:
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth
Certain and doubtful signs of pregnancy
Probable signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, swelling of the legs and drowsiness can not only indicate the onset of a new period in a woman's life, but also about various disorders. Therefore, having noticed these changes behind you, you can go to the pharmacy and buy a pregnancy test, which will unleash all doubts.

From the very conception in the body of a woman there are cardinal changes. Naturally, the internal state of the body directly affects the well-being of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy is a wonderful, and at the same time extremely complex process. Therefore, changes in a woman's well-being are not always pleasant. One of the unpleasant signs of pregnancy is pressure. As a rule, low blood pressure prevails. Very often, low blood pressure causes sudden fainting and, visiting a doctor, we finally find out that we are pregnant. I would like to note right away that it is possible to consider low blood pressure as a sign of pregnancy only in conjunction with other symptoms.

3

Getting pregnant, the female body undergoes dramatic changes. With each new month, a woman feels various symptoms of her interesting position. In particular, I would like to dwell on such a symptom as drowsiness.

Many emotions are associated with the onset of pregnancy, ranging from joy in anticipation of a miracle to anxiety, fear attacks, panic, tearfulness and irritability. As you can see, a woman experiences rather mixed feelings throughout the entire gestation period.

This means that emotions should be given due attention, since the mental state of the expectant mother directly affects the nature of pregnancy, and also directly affects the fetus. Let's focus on symptoms such as tearfulness and irritability.

A positive pregnancy test result and a missed period are undoubtedly one of the most famous and reliable signs. However, there is another sign that can reveal the completed conception much earlier than the delay and test indicators. It's about implantation bleeding.

Teenage pregnancy: is it possible to get pregnant at 12, 13, 14, 15 years old, what to do if a teenage girl is pregnant

Teenage pregnancy is a common occurrence. According to statistics, in Russia every year about 0.5% of all girls aged 15-19 become pregnant. Only in Moscow every year a thousand 13-14-year-old girls terminate their pregnancy.

If you approach the situation correctly, it is possible to preserve the health of the child and the young mother. And when deciding to have an abortion - carry out the procedure as carefully as possible.

Anyway, teenage pregnancy requires special supervision by a gynecologist.

Can a teenage girl get pregnant? Of course, only on the condition that the teenage girl had sexual contact.

When conceiving a child, the primary role is played not by age, but by the state of the reproductive system. As soon as a teenager begins her first period, according to the laws of biology, she is able to conceive and give birth. There are cases when a girl became pregnant at 12, at 11 and even at 9years, but in the latter case we are talking about violations of the development of the reproductive system.

Even the absence of regular periods is not a guarantee that a girl will not become pregnant. The process of active work of the ovaries, the development of the mucous membrane of the uterus and mammary glands proceeds virtually simultaneously, because it is triggered by hormonal changes.

Almost any teenage girl can become pregnant at 15 if she is already having regular periods and if she is sexually active. Monthly periods are as follows:

separation of mucous membranes occurs, which provokes bleeding;
"wounds" gradually formed by the department heal under the action of hormones, menstruation stops;
in the ovaries grows up to 3 follicles - the so-called vesicles, inside which there are eggs;
one follicle - the leading one - develops more strongly than the others, bursts and releases a mature egg, this is how ovulation occurs;
the cell moves through the fallopian tubes to the uterus;
here the egg meets the sperm (if there was unprotected sexual contact) and forms a zygote.

The formed zygote is attached to the walls of the uterus to begin active development. For this, the mucosal layer after ovulation grows more actively. If fertilization does not occur, the mucous exfoliates, which is why bleeding begins. Then everything repeats.

All these stages and processes are inextricably linked with each other. That is why at the age of 16 and earlier (at 12-15 years old) a girl can become pregnant if she already has her period. Most often, the first menstruation begins at the age of thirteen, sometimes earlier - at 10-12. Pregnancy during adolescence is accompanied by typical signs:

menses stop;
weight gain without apparent cause;
nausea in the morning;
vomiting on an empty stomach or after eating;
swelling of the mammary glands;
increased appetite;
emotional instability.

Puffiness appears on the face, age spots appear on the skin - these symptoms are not observed in all, but in most girls.

If you have signs of pregnancy, you should not panic - the body is partly prepared for this process. The problem is that teenagers themselves are often not prepared for motherhood in psychological and material terms.

What happens to a pregnant woman

There are three main scenarios if a girl becomes pregnant at the age of 13:

the pregnancy is terminated naturally;
an abortion is performed;
Pregnancy is observed, maintained and eventually a baby is born.

Miscarriages or stillbirths are common among pregnant teenagers. The fact is that the teenage body is not always able to cope on its own with the growth of the fetus, the gynecologist observes the development process, if necessary, prescribes drugs that support pregnancy.

If this does not happen, it is also possible to give birth to a healthy child, but this is rather an exception. The very process of childbirth is complicated by tissue rupture due to a narrow pelvis, and here again constant medical supervision and inpatient preservation of pregnancy are needed. Otherwise, during childbirth without the help of a doctor, there is a risk of large blood loss.

Abortion for a girl in her teenage years seriously disrupts the functioning of the hormonal system. Sometimes adult women who have had an abortion in their teens fail to conceive. To reduce the risks, an abortion should be done as early as possible.

What to do for a girl

If you find signs of pregnancy, you need to take a test, it is sold in a pharmacy. If he confirms the guess, the pregnant girl should tell her parents about it as soon as possible and consult a doctor. This is the only way to save your own health, and if you wish, to save the life and health of the child.

How the family perceives the news, of course, depends on the family itself, but any parents, even the most strict ones, will take care of their child's health.

A pregnant woman should see a gynecologist as soon as possible. At an early stage (up to 7 weeks from the beginning of the last menstruation), a medical abortion is possible (with the help of drugs, always under the supervision of a doctor), at a later date a more complex intervention is already necessary.

In extreme cases, if a girl is afraid of the reaction of her parents, then starting from the age of 15, she has the right to consult a gynecologist on her own, without adults. This is evidenced by article 54 of the law "On the fundamentals of protecting the health of citizens of the Russian Federation" dated November 22, 2011. You must take your passport to see the doctor.

Sometimes polyclinics refuse to accept minors without legal representatives. If you were refused, contact the manager, insist on your rights.

Do not wait for a ticket, say that you need to see a doctor urgently, that the situation is urgent. You will definitely be accepted.

A teenage girl under the age of 15 cannot visit a gynecologist without her parents or guardians. You still have to tell your mother about the pregnancy.

Do's and Don'ts

Hiding pregnancy from parents, hiding one's head in the sand and hoping that everything will go away on its own. Only time will pass, and a pregnant teenage girl does not have a day to waste!
Listen to girlfriends and use "home" means of abortion - hot bath, jumping, etc. This is dangerous! You can not enter anything into the vagina - this threatens to injure the genital organs, bleeding and death.
Do not take emergency contraceptive pills - they are very harmful and only help the first 24 hours after intercourse. They will not interrupt the onset of pregnancy, but will only lead to serious consequences for the health of the pregnant woman. This also applies to various herbs - at best, they will not change anything, and at worst, they will lead to severe poisoning.
You can't go to any "abortion specialists", even if they allegedly helped someone. Such manipulations are prohibited by law, this is called criminal abortion, it is extremely dangerous for health and life!

Pregnancy and childbirth at an early age

If the decision is made to continue the pregnancy, it is also necessary to consult a gynecologist as soon as possible.

The fact is that teenage pregnancy, if it is detected at a later date, is dangerous for both the expectant mother and the child. All pregnancy lasting 9months, divided into 3 trimesters - three months each. In the first 3 months, the foundations of the structure of the entire body of the fetus are laid, during this period it is very important to monitor your condition and health.

Stress, hiding from parents, the desire to get rid of the child on their own can seriously threaten health and even life. Pregnancy, discovered at 6-8 months, often ends with the birth of a handicapped child with developmental anomalies, only because the girl, due to her own fear, did not seek help in time.

According to statistics, pregnancy at this age (13-16 years) is difficult. The body continues to form the reproductive system, hormonal changes occur, which require high energy costs.

The reproductive system is not fully formed, so conception also becomes a stress for the body, growing up is slower - the body now spends energy not only on its own development, but also on the development of the fetus.

If you do not consult a gynecologist in time and do not register, pregnancy may be complicated:

severe toxicosis;
placental insufficiency;
fetal hypoxia;
developmental delay of the child;
low birth weight fetus;
anemia;
metabolic disorder.

The burden on the heart, kidneys and spine may be incommensurate with their capabilities. It is important to understand that at an early age, giving birth naturally is also unlikely to succeed. At the age of 16-18 years, in most cases, the pelvis and hips are still too narrow, because the child simply will not pass through the birth canal. The resolution of pregnancy is performed by caesarean section.

What parents should do

The first thing that is important for parents of a pregnant teenager to understand is that a scandal will not solve the problem. Even if pregnancy is completely unacceptable for you, threatens your financial condition, health or reputation, the situation will not be resolved if the parents take out their anger on the child.

It is not necessary to solve the issue of future childbirth or abortion alone, moreover, only with a gynecologist. It is necessary to show the girl to the doctor so that he would rate:

state of the reproductive system;
features of fetal development;
the possibility of maintaining pregnancy.

The doctor will also assess the risks and risks to the girl's health if it is decided to have an abortion. It is important to understand that it is at the age of 12-16 that abortion threatens with serious consequences. Each decision must be carefully considered.

Parents, especially mothers, should also support a teenager.

The period of formation and formation of a personality, coinciding with an unplanned pregnancy, is a change in mood, a feeling of abandonment, uselessness.

This is a difficult period for a teenager, regardless of who is to blame. It is important to support so that a teenager does not remain alone in his problem, because he does not know how and will not be able to solve it.

Prevention of teenage pregnancy

Most often, pregnancy in adolescents aged 12-16 occurs for two main reasons - a dysfunctional family with a complete lack of sexual education and too strict families in which the topic of sexual relations is a taboo. Although teenage pregnancy is possible in a completely prosperous friendly family.

It is necessary to convey to the child the significance and basic meaning of sexual relations, to explain to him how the female and male body works.

A teenager should learn exactly how children are born, not in the yard or the Internet, but from their parents. They should also convey to him the importance of contraception in terms of unwanted pregnancy and STDs.

The more trusting the relationship with the child is in this regard, the less likely it is that he will want to "try" - in spite of strict parents or out of ignorance. Cases where a teenager from a prosperous, loyal and full-fledged family becomes pregnant at an early age account for only 3-5% of all teenage pregnancies.

Teenage pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted problem – parental, medical, social. And unfortunately, this problem has not lost its relevance over the years. And even more than that, it seems that today, this problem is at the peak of its relevance.

Seeing a teenage girl pregnant, usually people immediately condemn and get annoyed with her. But it is worth thinking about the fact that, first of all, this child himself needs the support and understanding of the older generation.

Adolescence begins at around age ten and lasts until age eighteen. A pregnancy that occurs between the ages of thirteen and sixteen is called a teenage pregnancy.

This type of pregnancy is not just a threat to the development and health of the unborn baby, it is also a threat to the life of a young mother. After all, during pregnancy, the mother's body undergoes multiple changes and restructuring. And all this, respectively.

It has an extremely negative effect on the child-adolescent organism.

After all, just now, the process of the formation of the menstrual cycle, maturation has begun in him, the reproductive system is still continuing its formation, and the bone system has not yet completed this process.

Therefore, early pregnancy or teenage pregnancy is extremely dangerous, and not only with complications and consequences, but also with a violation of the development and formation of a teenage organism.

The frequency of pregnancy among adolescents in different countries of the world is different from each other. And most often this phenomenon occurs in socially developing countries.

True, in countries with developed and stable economies, the most common adolescent girls are unmarried.

According to statistics, the first place in teenage pregnancies belongs to Russia, and the second to America (United States).

There are a number of reasons for this not quite normal phenomenon. And it is far from always necessary and possible to accuse a girl of ignorance and licentiousness. It happens that pregnancy can occur at this age due to the violent actions of the partner, coercive factors, and so on.

One of the main reasons, of course, is the lack of sexual education . It may not be present at all, or it may be incorrect. The entire responsibility for sexuality education rests with the parents. But, not everyone finds time to devote it to their daughter. And many parents themselves lead an asocial lifestyle. Sexual education in educational institutions is practically non-existent. And accordingly, the centers and services that are designed to help (psychologically) and protect families and children do not function in the right and 100% mode.
The second cause of teenage pregnancy is sexual emancipation . Today, the average age of teen pregnancy is sixteen. According to the same inexorable science of statistics, ninety percent of young people by the age of twenty have sexual experience of extramarital relationships. Such sexual promiscuity, of course, is facilitated by the widespread use of drugs, alcohol, erotic and pornographic advertising, and, of course, the desire to stand out and excel that is inherent in young and adolescence.
The third problem of teenage pregnancy is ignorance of the rules of contraception . Despite the variety of types and methods of contraception that exist in pharmacology and medicine, adolescents tend to neglect them. Here is a sign of a lack of knowledge, understanding, sex education and the fear of buying in a pharmacy in public, financial insolvency, fear of their misuse, so as not to be ridiculed by peers. Well, and about going to the doctor for recommendations on the issue of contraception, adolescents do not talk at all.
The fourth cause of teenage pregnancy is violence . In this case, the term is broader than just sexual violence. The constant beating of teenage girls by their sexual partners, forcing them to have sex - all this also refers to the designation of violence in adolescence. An unfavorable family atmosphere can also influence this fact and be a psychological abuse for the girl.
Another cause of teenage pregnancy - socio-economic status .

According to statistics, a greater percentage of this pathology occurs in countries with a low level of socio-economic status. In many of them, being pregnant at such a young age opens up opportunities for financial benefits after the baby is born.

There are a number of misconceptions or myths that teenagers believe in due to their lack of sexual education:

it is impossible to get pregnant immediately after the first sexual intercourse or if there are rare sexual contacts; In this case, pregnancy can occur with any number of sexual intercourse, if it is performed during the period of ovulation. Pregnancy absolutely does not depend on the number of sexual acts and their frequency.
it is impossible to become pregnant before the age of eighteen; Age also does not matter for pregnancy. As a rule, in adolescence, egg maturation occurs two weeks before the start of the monthly cycle, so pregnancy is quite real.
it is impossible to get pregnant during intercourse in a standing position; Posture in this case also can not affect the onset of pregnancy, as well as the age or frequency of sexual intercourse. No matter what position the girl's body is in, the spermatozoa will actively move towards the egg.
it is impossible to get pregnant immediately after menstruation; Since the menstrual cycle in adolescence in girls is not yet established, and is chaotic, the risk of pregnancy remains on any day of the menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy can be prevented by douching immediately after intercourse; You need to know that douching is a hygienic procedure in which the possibility of getting pregnant is one hundred percent preserved.

There are two ways to end a teenage pregnancy: abortion or childbirth.

Adolescent girls have several tens of times higher risk of ectopic pregnancy than older women.

The reason for this may be sexual and general immaturity, concomitant infectious diseases that are sexually transmitted, uterine inflammatory diseases, inflammation of the appendages.

The problem of maintaining or terminating a pregnancy is faced not only by the teenage girl herself, but also by her sexual partner and parents.

This question can never be answered unambiguously. Both abortion and childbirth are fraught with a high level of risk of various complications and dangers with possible negative consequences.

There is only one advantage in artificial termination of pregnancy - no pregnancy, no problem. Often teenage girls face such massive “walls” and under such pressure from parents, sexual partners, school teachers, and even doctors that they have no choice but to have an abortion.

There is only one piece of advice here – the sooner the better, because then the risk of possible complications is reduced.

What is the risk of abortion at a young age?

High probability of puncture or perforation of the uterus or retention of the remains of the ovum in the uterus. This is due to the immaturity of the genital organs and the entire reproductive system of the girl;
Violation of the menstrual cycle. If in women of mature puberty the menstrual cycle is restored two to four months after childbirth, then in a teenage girl the recovery process can drag on for years or one and a half;
There is a high risk of injury to the orifices of the uterine tubes (the area where the tubes leave the uterus), and this will later lead to the formation of adhesions and tubal infertility;
Inflammatory processes in the internal genital organs may occur and result in infertility;
The functions of the central nervous and endocrine systems may be disrupted, and after this, as a result, hormonal problems will arise, the development of vegetovascular dystonia, a sharp weakening of the immune system;
Psychological trauma is possible, the development of mental disorders of the girl, neurosis, psychosis, obsessive states will appear, and this, as a rule, leaves an imprint for life;
Subsequent pregnancies may result in miscarriage.

For teenage pregnancy, vaginal delivery is medically the best outcome. But, in childbirth, there is also a danger for a girl, and some complications are possible. In adolescence, both the course of pregnancy and the birth itself, as a rule, are difficult.

In maintaining pregnancy, another problem arises, the solution of which must be conscious and responsible - the care and upbringing of the child. Usually, the parents of a teenage girl take on such a mission. But, today you can often see that girls - young mothers cope alone with all the problems. And this leads to difficulties with studies, the inability to work, hence the financial crisis. Breastfeeding a newborn is another problem that occurs after the delivery of a teenage girl. As a rule, young mothers are not able to breastfeed, and they have to feed the baby with artificial mixtures. The impossibility of breastfeeding is usually due to the lack of milk and motivation for such a process.

There are certain difficulties during the teenage pregnancy itself. What is their essence?

usually teenage pregnancy is accompanied by pronounced toxicosis, low weight gain, hypertension and iron deficiency anemia;
young pregnant women have the highest risk of developing placental insufficiency, preeclampsia, placenta previa, miscarriage, intrauterine fetal hypoxia, preterm birth;
teenage pregnancy often contributes to various anomalies during delivery, since the young mother has physical immaturity, then there is a huge percentage of the risk of perineal ruptures, cervix and bleeding;
teenage pregnancy increases the risk of caesarean section during childbirth;
children born to adolescents, as a rule, are underweight, retarded in physical and mental development.

Among all these dangers, teenage pregnancy has one significant advantage - the absence of chronic diseases. And this is a very positive fact, which is of great importance during pregnancy.

From this we can conclude that teenage pregnancy is not only a medical but also a social problem.

Many healer grandmothers, acquaintances, girlfriends, and sometimes mothers of teenage girls, try to give advice to their friend, daughter, who is in an unpleasant situation. They advise vying with folk remedies that can cause a miscarriage, and thereby solve the problem of teenage pregnancy. But, few of them guess and know in general what such methods are fraught with.

Here are just some of the consequences that a home-grown abortion can cause:

a hot bath with mustard plasters will end in profuse bleeding, after which it will be necessary to scrape the uterus, remove it, and even worse, death may occur;
taking a copious amount of contraceptives will lead not only to profuse bleeding, but also to a severe form of intoxication of the body, and then to serious violations of the functions of the hormonal system;
when falling on the stomach, when it is compressed, the pressure can result in uterine rupture and death;
bougies, pencils or needles inserted into the cervix can pierce the uterus and nearby organs.

This will end in profuse bleeding, infection and blood poisoning (sepsis). Consequences:

infertility if the girl survives;
soda solution with vinegar, poured into the vagina, will forever close the door for a girl to intimacy. In such cases, disability is given if the girl stays alive.

Here are some tips on how to take care of your teenage girl's health if she becomes pregnant:

The first thing to do is take care of the necessary prenatal care . Make an appointment as soon as you suspect pregnancy. If you cannot do this on your own, you should ask the school doctor to find a specialist for the girl;
The second thing that is important for the health of a young expectant mother is to give up all bad habits - smoking, alcohol, drugs . All this can cause irreparable damage not only to the expectant mother herself, but also to her child. If you can’t leave all bad habits on your own, find a person who is a specialist in this matter, ask him for help;
It is necessary to take daily vitamin complexes for pregnant women , which will be prescribed by the doctor in charge of the pregnancy. Vitamins should be with a minimum content of folic acid, this will prevent the development of congenital pathologies in the fetus. It is best to take such vitamins as soon as the girl's sexual life begins;
Be sure to help a teenage girl with pregnancy seek help from a psychologist or any other person who will help her survive all the difficulties, support her morally, trust.

It is necessary to conduct several psychological sessions with the parents, close friends and teachers of such a teenage child.

In general, it has been proven that healthy strong adolescents can cope with pregnancy and successfully give birth to a healthy baby .

At the first signs and suspicions of pregnancy, a teenage girl should consult a doctor for help. What signs can tell a teenager about the onset of pregnancy?

delayed menstruation;
nausea and vomiting without apparent cause;
the sudden appearance of a feeling of disgust from those dishes and smells that were previously considered loved, or at least simply liked;
pain in the area of the nipples of the mammary glands;
not previously experienced general weakness of the whole body, drowsiness;
increased urge to urinate;
sudden mood swings;
the appearance of tantrums.

You can take a pregnancy test by purchasing it in advance from the pharmacy chain. Modern tests are quite informative in this regard. As soon as the test gives a positive answer, you still need to see a doctor.

Conception, pregnancy and childbirth at 16

According to the legislation of our country, the age of sexual consent starts at the age of 16. This fact is taken into account if the conception occurred as a result of sexual contact that occurred by mutual consent.

At the same time, the marriageable age in Russia is 18 years. However, if the fact of pregnancy is confirmed, marriage can be registered even at the age of 16. After entering into marriage, adolescents under the age of 18 are recognized as fully capable, and their life does not depend on their parents.

Marriage at the age of 16 due to pregnancy is not uncommon in our time. It is noteworthy that in some subjects of the Russian Federation, the law allows marriage from the age of 14.

Pros and cons of early pregnancy

How does early pregnancy affect a girl's body? Of course, a young expectant mother has a huge responsibility not only for herself, but also for the child. At the same time, she feels pressure from the social sphere, so a pregnant woman at the age of 16 needs mandatory support from her parents and people around her.

What are the positive aspects of early pregnancy:

high level of physical health and absence of chronic diseases;
childbirth and the postpartum period are easy, since at the age of 16 the body is quickly restored;
psychological lability - girls at this age are much calmer during pregnancy;
young girls lead a more active lifestyle after the birth of a child, which favorably affects his development;
will minimize the risk of father-child problems due to the small age difference.

However, there are some problems that a new mother-to-be may face.

Disadvantages of early conception:

risk of various pregnancy pathologies due to insufficient development of the female reproductive system;
psychological unpreparedness for the birth of a child at a young age - there is no sense of responsibility for one's life and the health of the baby;
increases the load on the cardiovascular system, which is fraught with the occurrence of various pathologies;
the risk of acquiring diseases of the musculoskeletal system due to underdevelopment of the supporting apparatus at the age of 16;
increased need for vitamins and minerals.

However, all these risks can be minimized when a girl is sensible about her first pregnancy at 16. To do this, it is necessary to register with an obstetrician-gynecologist at the antenatal clinic in time and follow all his instructions for examinations and taking various drugs.

Signs of pregnancy at the age of 16

Often a girl and her parents do not recognize pregnancy in the early stages, because they do not attach importance to specific symptoms, taking them for the manifestation of some disease. In order not to accidentally miss this fact, you need to know about the signs of early pregnancy in girls:

Delay in menstruation or change in their nature (become scarce).
Breast swelling.
Causeless fatigue, weakness, drowsiness.
Manifestations of toxicosis: nausea or vomiting in the morning, dislike for strong odors.
Changes in eating habits, appetite.
Frequent trips to the toilet.
Emotional changes: tearfulness, mood swings.
Weight gain.

If these symptoms are found, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist to confirm pregnancy or look for another problem in the youthful body.

Pregnancy at 16: what to do?

When a girl at the age of 16 finds out she is pregnant, she often experiences panic attacks. At this point, she often thinks about abortion. However, do not jump to conclusions.

First of all, you need to inform your parents and future father about your situation. It is good if the people around them understand and accept the decision of a teenager in any form. But it often happens that a girl at this age cannot find support in her family and, as a result, commits rash acts.

In such a case, remember that now every antenatal clinic has a psychologist and a social worker. Any pregnant woman can turn to them and get free advice.

Termination of pregnancy at the age of 16

According to the laws of the Russian Federation, termination of pregnancy in underage girls can be performed without the consent of her parents from the age of 15. There is an amendment for drug addicts, they can have an abortion without the consent of their legal representatives from the age of 16. Thus, a girl who becomes pregnant at the age of 16 can independently decide on the possibility of further carrying or terminating the pregnancy.

How can a pregnancy be terminated at 16? Consider the ways in which this can be done:

medical abortion - before 6 weeks of pregnancy, the most preferred method due to the low risk of complications;
instrumental or surgical abortion - carried out up to 12 weeks, but not desirable due to possible damage to the walls of the uterus.

It is worth knowing that if a decision is made to have an abortion, it must be done as early as possible in pregnancy. Otherwise, complications that are unfavorable for the youthful organism may occur: hormonal disruptions, infertility, psychological trauma.

Childbirth at 16: what are the risks?

The development of complications during childbirth is not uncommon for young women in labor. However, at the age of 16, the risks are already minimal - the probability of unforeseen situations is 1-2% of the total number of underage mothers.

The following complications are possible during childbirth:

Caesarean section for 16-year-old women in labor is carried out only according to indications. For example, with a clinical discrepancy between the size of the pelvis and the head of the baby, or with the development of bleeding during childbirth.

Since young pregnant women need more intensive medical supervision, prenatal hospitalization of such girls is usually carried out for a period of 37 weeks.

Anastasia Krasikova, obstetrician-gynecologist, specially for Mirmam.pro

Early pregnancy: signs, symptoms and consequences / Mama66.ru

There must be a time for everything, including the desired pregnancy. Early pregnancy occurs between the ages of 12 and 18, most often in 15-16 year olds. And this is not only a medical problem, but also a social one, as society continues to condemn the early onset of sexual activity and teenage mothers.

It would seem that the problem of early pregnancy should disappear in the modern world, because contraceptives are now available in every pharmacy, and adolescents themselves are well aware of intimate relationships between the sexes. But this phenomenon is still quite common. Doctors are sure that the age of the mother is important for the birth of a healthy baby - the female body is ready for childbearing only by the age of 20.

But pregnancy, as an exception to the rule, can occur earlier, for example, the earliest pregnancy in the world was recorded at 1939 in Peru with five-year-old Lina Medina, who successfully became the mother of a three-kilogram baby. Fortunately, this phenomenon is recognized as an exception, but pregnancies among teenage girls are not uncommon.

Causes of early pregnancy

It should be noted right away that the cause of early pregnancy cannot be the only one. Most likely, this is a simultaneous superposition of several unfavorable factors that led to this situation, and the teenage girl should not be blamed for them.

Nowadays, puberty begins earlier in children, which means that with it, sexual desire comes faster.

Therefore, all parents should psychologically prepare their child for the beginning of an intimate life in a timely manner, engage in sexual education, and this should be done until the moment when sex is firmly established in the life of a teenager.

So, the main causes of early pregnancy are:

Lack of sex education. As mentioned above, puberty in adolescents today begins earlier, even before the moment when parents are ready for it from a psychological point of view. If you do not talk about sex with a 14-year-old daughter, then she will not have enough basic knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and contraception. Such a girl, when entering into an intimate relationship, is completely unprotected from a possible pregnancy. The lack of sex education in the family circle makes teenagers turn to their peers or the Internet for information. The distortion and unreliability of the facts received from the same adolescents is not only useless, but also dangerous for the child in its consequences.
Sexual promiscuity. The desire to be different from others, to appear more experienced in the circle of their peers pushes adolescents to an early onset of sexual activity. Often such a step is carried out under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs. Psychologists say that most often children with a tendency to aggression and hyperactivity face early pregnancy.
Inability to use contraceptives. Adolescents tend to be indifferent to contraceptive methods due to a lack of knowledge about contraceptives, inability to use them, and simply because of the fear of buying them in a pharmacy openly or keeping them at home.
Violence. Violent sexual acts most often occur in dysfunctional families, where the father, brother or stepfather can act as a rapist. Less commonly, rape occurs outside the home. A frightened girl can hide what happened from her relatives for quite a long time, rapes are repeated.
Conscious conception. Emotional teenagers in love believe that pregnancy at the age of 14-16 is quite normal, it will give them independence and help to keep their loved one. Some teenage girls deliberately become pregnant in order to leave the parental home or to get rid of increased guardianship from adults.

Symptoms

Due to lack of awareness, adolescent girls may not know they are pregnant for a long time.

They continue to lead their usual way of life, do not refuse unprotected sexual intercourse and alcohol, do not observe the daily routine, besides, their body is not yet ready to bear a child.

For these reasons, the probability of miscarriage at a short time in adolescence is increased several times.

Signs of pregnancy in a teenage girl are no different from symptoms in a mature woman:

missed period;
signs of toxicosis: nausea, vomiting, weakness, lack of appetite;
frequent urination;
chest and abdomen growth;
chills and fever;
increase in basal body temperature;
profuse vaginal discharge.

As for the last sign, the discharge from the genital tract during a normal pregnancy has a light transparent shade, this indicates changes in the hormonal background.

Spotting with blood or bleeding indicates a threatened miscarriage. Also, evidence of a possible danger is sharp pains in the lower abdomen, which may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which poses a threat to life.

If these symptoms appear early, it is important not to hesitate to contact your doctor.

Why is early pregnancy dangerous?

It should be clarified right away that adolescence starts at 10 and ends at 18. Pregnancy between the ages of 12 and 16 is called early or teenage pregnancy. Carrying a child at such a young age can threaten not only the development of the unborn child, but also the health of the youngest mother.

Teenage girls quite often experience complications during pregnancy, because their body is not fully formed and this physiological immaturity prevents them from bearing and giving birth to a baby on time.

The main dangers of early pregnancy are:

Hormones in adolescence are notable for their instability. Lack of progesterone leads to the development of hypoxia and fetal hypotrophy.

Therefore, young expectant mothers are usually sent to the hospital several times for additional examinations, while the pregnancy is carried out by several specialists at once.

At 36 weeks, patients are admitted to the maternity hospital, as births at this age are often premature.

Childbirth in adolescents is usually complicated. This is due to the narrowness of the pelvis. For this reason, many doctors insist on having a baby by caesarean section.

Also, experts do not rule out a high probability of postpartum hemorrhage.

In addition, the World Health Organization states that, according to statistics, stillbirth or death in the first 6 months of life is 50% of teenage pregnancies.

But when asking the question why early pregnancy is dangerous, you need to think not only about the physical side of the problem, but also about the psychological state of the girl. The news of the pregnancy shocks the teenager.

Fear of parents and the public forces the girl to hide her situation, which means that the pregnancy will go on for a long time without supervision by medical personnel.

As a result, the expectant mother withdraws into her experiences, feels guilty, falls into depression. Often this leads to suicide attempts or abandonment of the newborn after childbirth.

What if I'm already pregnant?

The responsibility for early pregnancy cannot be placed solely on the shoulders of a young girl. Parents, future father, school - everyone should be aware and understand what kind of burden a child takes on when faced with teenage pregnancy.

According to statistics, early pregnancies are terminated in 70% of cases. This is a radical, but not entirely correct step in this situation, since after surgical curettage of the uterine cavity at such a young age, many girls cannot become pregnant in the future.

It is not difficult to conceive a child, one unprotected intercourse is enough. Carrying a baby in adolescence is a more serious problem. Pregnancy itself requires an increase in the daily diet of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, as well as additional intake of minerals and vitamins.

All trace elements are consumed quickly and in large quantities, because they are needed for the normal development of the fetus and for the expectant mother herself, since her body is still in a period of active development and growth.

Many complications of pregnancy are associated with disorders of the natural metabolism.

Early pregnancy and childbirth is a serious test for an unformed teenage psyche. The most important thing in such a difficult situation is to act and make decisions together. If it is decided to bear a child, then the expectant mother needs early diagnosis of pregnancy and follow-up with specialists to exclude complications up to the very birth.

Prevention of early pregnancy

Most parents believe that sexual education of the younger generation is completely unnecessary. And this is wrong. In adolescence, it is important for children to know how to avoid unwanted pregnancy, that is, about contraception. But many adults are arrogant about the age of their children and believe that it is too early to talk to them about taboo topics.

In families with an antisocial lifestyle and in incomplete families, the likelihood of early pregnancy is increased. Also at risk are lively teenagers prone to conflict situations and intemperance.

Timely detection and prevention of any problems in adolescence is the main goal of the relationship between an adult and a teenager, trust and understanding helps to reduce the risk of early pregnancy and its consequences.

Many psychologists agree that the problem of early pregnancy largely depends on the parents. Their incorrect attitude towards the child becomes the reason that he is completely confused and unprepared for sexual activity. If a frank relationship has not been established between mother and daughter from an early age, then the risk of early pregnancy in such a family is increased.

Adolescents need to know everything about sexual relations between a man and a woman and the negative consequences they can lead to. It is important for girls to know about contraceptive methods and how to use them correctly. You can also tell your teenager about the early diagnosis of pregnancy before the delay.

At the same time, sexual education of a teenager should not look somehow intrusive, all children are different, and not everyone is interested in this or that information at a certain age. Ideally, if sexuality education is also carried out in the form of lectures at school and during confidential conversations with specialists.

The birth of a child is always a joyful event, but it is better if it happens on time. Early pregnancy is a serious test for a young girl and her parents.

To minimize complications, you need to seek help from a gynecologist in a timely manner.

The doctor will assess the health of the expectant mother, conduct an early diagnosis of pregnancy using ultrasound, talk about the possible consequences, and if the girl decides to carry the pregnancy, she will observe her until the very birth.

Olga Rogozhkina, doctor,
especially for Mama66.ru

Teenage pregnancy - causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Teenage pregnancy - the state of carrying a developing embryo and fetus by an underage teenage girl. Clinically manifested by the same signs as gestation in adults: the absence of regular menstruation, causeless nausea and vomiting, changes in taste habits, engorgement of the mammary glands, hyperpigmentation of the areola and nipples, weight gain, and an increase in abdominal circumference. When making a diagnosis, they use the data of a gynecological examination, the results of a pregnancy test and ultrasound of the uterus. When the patient decides to keep the child, management tactics are aimed at the timely detection and correction of complications, the choice of an appropriate method of delivery.

General information

Teenage pregnancy is not only a medical but also a social problem. In developed countries, its prevalence reaches 12 cases per 1,000 adolescents, in Russia this figure is 8-9 times higher. According to WHO, about 16 million girls aged 15-19 years old give birth to children every year, which is up to 11% of all births in the world. 95% of such cases are detected in countries with low and middle incomes. The level of teenage pregnancy is largely influenced by national and religious traditions - in Islamic states it is much less common. According to statistics, up to 30% of pregnancies in girls end in artificial interruption, 14% in miscarriage, and 56% in childbirth. Two thirds of minors give birth out of wedlock. According to the social status, 72% of patients study at school, vocational schools or are housewives.

Teenage pregnancy

Causes of teenage pregnancy

Physiological opportunities for fertilization of an egg occur in a girl after the onset of the first menstruation (menarche). However, the real causes of early pregnancy are not related to the biological, but to the social aspect. The provocative factors differ in different countries and are largely determined by the level of economic development, the organization of education and medical care, local norms and traditions. According to experts in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, the onset of pregnancy in adolescence is facilitated by:

Inadequate sex education and education . Adolescents are not always fully aware of the consequences of unprotected sex, the need and rules for contraception. This is due to the lack of targeted programs for the sexual education of schoolchildren, the sanctimonious attitude of adults, and examples of the asocial lifestyle that parents lead.
Sexual freedom . 9 out of 10 girls have their first sexual experience before the age of 20. This is facilitated by the availability of low-alcohol drinks, narcotic substances, and pornographic materials. Studies have shown that teens who watch TV shows and movies with sex scenes are at twice the risk of early pregnancy.
Contraceptive prejudice . There is still a persistent stereotype in society that the use of male barrier contraceptives reduces the severity of pleasure and affects the romanticism of relationships. As a result, some girls and young women, in fear of losing their partners, are embarrassed to ask them for condom protection.
Sexual abuse . About 10% of pregnant adolescents under the age of 15 report the forced nature of their first sexual relationship. Often, coercion to have sex is caused by the girl's being in an unfavorable social environment, much less often it is an element of blackmail by a partner who threatens to end the romantic relationship.
Poor social and economic situation . This reason is one of the most significant for low-income countries. For some adolescents, the financial allowance at the birth of a child and social assistance provided until they reach a certain age become a significant argument in favor of early motherhood, and sometimes the only source of income.

Some of these reasons are relevant for poor countries with high unemployment, inaccessibility of educational and medical services, and low incomes. However, the increase in the frequency of early pregnancy in developed countries indicates the shortcomings of the implemented state policy and the lack of targeted efforts aimed at solving this problem.

Pathogenesis

Although in general the development of teenage pregnancy is based on the same mechanisms as normal, it has a number of features that affect the course of the gestational period and childbirth. First of all, these features are associated with the functional immaturity of the genital organs and endocrine regulation systems. In adolescence, complications of pregnancy are more often noted, and the likelihood of traumatism in childbirth increases. The onset of gestation in a teenager leads to an acceleration of the processes of puberty and somatic maturation - the size of the bone pelvis increases to typical for 16-18-year-old girls, which, combined with sufficient hydrophilicity and elasticity of the ligamentous apparatus, makes the bone ring more pliable.

Classification

In order to predict the development and choose the optimal tactics for supporting teenage pregnancy, it is advisable to systematize, taking into account a number of medical, physiological and social factors. Such a classification allows you to identify the risks of the gestational period in advance, prevent possible complications and determine the optimal delivery option. The main criteria for systematizing teenage pregnancy are:

Menstrual age (MW) . Taking into account the time of onset of menarche, groups of pregnant adolescents with a menstrual age of up to 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and more are distinguished. The lower the MV, the more likely the pathological course of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
Age of the pregnant woman . Girls under 9 years of age with accelerated sexual development are called "super-young primiparas", at the age of 9-15 years with incomplete puberty - "young primiparas", at 15-18 years old - adolescents ready for the implementation of childbearing function.
State of health . Depending on the presence of concomitant pathology, there are categories of completely healthy pregnant adolescents, young pregnant women suffering from extragenital diseases, and adolescent girls with complications of the gestational period.
Circumstances of pregnancy . There are primiparous girls with a desired pregnancy from prosperous and complete families, young pregnant women with an unwanted pregnancy from dysfunctional and single-parent families, adolescents who become pregnant due to rape.

Symptoms of teenage pregnancy

A key sign of onset of gestation is the absence of regular periods, although girls with an irregular monthly cycle may underestimate the significance of this symptom. A possible pregnancy is evidenced by the appearance of unreasonable nausea and vomiting, a change in taste and food preferences, breast engorgement, soreness in the nipple-areolar zone. As the uterus grows, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent, weight gain and an increase in the circumference of the abdomen are observed. Adolescent pregnancies are characterized by sudden mood swings with emotional lability, tearfulness, and tantrums. Often girls complain of unusual drowsiness, general weakness and fatigue.

Complications

Pregnancy and childbirth place an increased burden on the immature teenage body. In addition, in recent years there has been a significant deterioration in the somatic and reproductive health of girls - up to 75-86% of adolescents suffer from chronic somatic diseases, from 10 to 15% have genital pathology that affects fertility. As a result, teenage pregnancy often has a complicated course. Underage pregnant women are three times more likely to suffer from treatment-resistant anemia. Every second girl has preeclampsia, which manifests on average 12-14 days earlier, mostly has a moderate or severe course. Due to the presence of concomitant genital infections in the adolescent age group, the likelihood of developing an ectopic pregnancy increases.

Fetoplacental insufficiency with hypoxia, antenatal distress and fetal growth retardation is more likely to develop in pregnant girls of menstrual age 1-2 years. Insufficient secretion of steroids by the fetoplacental system leads to anomalies in the birth forces. With a teenage pregnancy, the risk of spontaneous abortions and premature births increases. Hypoglobulinemia and insufficient reserve potential of phagocytes provoke immune failure, which is manifested by an increase in infectious and inflammatory processes at the gestational and postpartum stages.

The course of childbirth directly depends on the menstrual age of the minor. With CF up to 1-2 years, anatomical or functional narrowing of the pelvis is observed in 50-66% of primiparas, breech presentation occurs more often, childbirth is complicated by spastic irregular contractions in the preliminary period, violent labor, primary weakness of the labor force, traumatization of soft tissues, hypotonic postpartum hemorrhage arising from pathological attachment of the placenta. Girls with 3-year-old CF often give birth quickly or rapidly, they have signs of primary weakness or incoordination of labor, there are ruptures of the birth canal, especially the perineum and cervix. After childbirth, postpartum endometritis, subinvolution of the uterus, hypogalactia and agalactia are detected twice as often in juvenile women in labor.

Diagnosis

A feature of teenage pregnancy is its late diagnosis, due to the fact that up to 35-55% of girls do not suspect that they are carrying a child, or hide it. Often, adolescents turn to an obstetrician-gynecologist only at a later date, and 8-11% of underage pregnant women are not registered at all. The "gold" standard for diagnosing the condition is based on identifying the same presumptive, probable and reliable signs as in the adult reproductive group. To finally confirm pregnancy in a girl with a delay in menstruation, they carry out:

Chair inspection . With bimanual palpation, an increase in the uterus to the probable gestational age, softening of its isthmus, and increased mobility of the cervix are determined. Examination in the mirrors allows you to identify possible signs of a genital infection (inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, discharge from the cervical canal).
Pregnancy test . Laboratory diagnostics is based on the determination of chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, a specific hormone that begins to be secreted from the time of implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Modern inkjet tests are highly sensitive, and their reliability reaches 99%.
Ultrasound of the uterus . Sonographic examination is the most popular and affordable method that reliably confirms the fact of pregnancy in a teenager. With the help of ultrasound in the uterine cavity, the fetus, placenta, membranes are detected. Regular screening allows you to dynamically monitor gestation, and fetometry - to assess the development of the fetus.

To rule out a possible infectious and inflammatory pathology of the genital organs, microscopy of a smear from the vagina, bacteriological seeding on nutrient media, TORCH-complex, RIF, ELISA, PCR diagnostics are performed. Subsequently, CTG is recommended for early detection of signs of fetoplacental insufficiency. Differential diagnosis is carried out with neoplasms of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, malformations of the uterus, hypothalamic-pituitary disorders, primary ovarian insufficiency, metabolic and endocrine disorders in diabetes mellitus, hypofunction and hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, and other diseases accompanied by amenorrhea. According to the indications, the patient is consulted by an adolescent pediatrician, an endocrinologist, an infectious disease specialist, a dermatologist, a neuropathologist, a neurosurgeon, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist.

Management of teenage pregnancy

After the detection of gestation, a teenage girl, her relatives and employees of a medical institution need to decide on the advisability of bearing a child, the tactics of managing the patient and the optimal method of delivery. Possible options for solving the problem, taking into account all possible factors and the opinion of the pregnant woman, can be:

Artificial termination of pregnancy . The girl and her relatives need to be explained that medical or surgical abortion performed at adolescence is more often complicated by traumatic injuries of the uterus, inflammation of the reproductive organs, and a violation of the ovarian cycle. In the future, such patients increase the likelihood of miscarriage and infertility. If a girl insists on terminating a pregnancy, it is important to intervene at an earlier date.
Pregnancy with natural delivery . The management of young primiparas does not differ significantly from standard protocols and involves the timely correction of emerging complications. In more than 90% of cases, a teenage girl is able to give birth to a child on her own. Even with an anatomically narrow pelvis, a clinical discrepancy between the size of the fetal head and the mother's pelvis is observed in only 10% of patients, which is associated with the frequent onset of preterm birth.
Pregnancy and caesarean section . The decision to operate in each case is made individually, and the young age of the patient should not be taken as an obstacle to timely surgical intervention. Indications for operative delivery in adolescent women in labor are the same as in adult women. A caesarean section is performed when anomalies of labor activity that are resistant to conservative therapy, a clinically narrow pelvis, and signs of intranatal fetal hypoxia are detected.

When managing a girl who is carrying a child, an obstetrician-gynecologist pays attention to both the medical aspects of pregnancy and the correction of the patient's lifestyle. Since the adolescent age group often eat irregular and unbalanced meals, the importance of rational diet and food intake is being educated. Particular attention is paid to the discussion of smoking, alcohol and drug use, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, psychoprophylactic preparation for the upcoming birth. Given the increased risk of complications in childbirth, pregnant adolescents are shown hospitalization in highly qualified obstetric hospitals for 37-39week of gestational age.

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