Adolescent motherhood and the risk of the fetal alcohol syndrome

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Magdalena Ewa Napiórkowska-Orkisz, Katarzyna Kostecka

1 (71) 2019 s. 86–91
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20883/pielpol.2019.12

Fraza do cytowania: Napiórkowska-Orkisz ME, Kostecka K Adolescent motherhood and the risk of the fetal alcohol syndrome. Piel Pol. 2019;1(71):86–91. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20883/pielpol.2019.12

Nowadays, adolescent motherhood is a frequent phenomenon. The number of pregnancies in adolescents in Europe is estimated at 3.4%. Pregnancy is a medical and social problem. Teens undergo sexual initiation without knowing how to prevent pregnancy. In addition, they tend to take risky behaviors – including drinking alcohol. A sharp increase in alcohol consumption among young women has been noted. The moment of diagnosing pregnancy is preceded by a period when women are not aware of their pregnancy. Therefore, their children are particularly vulnerable to the fetal alcohol syndrome. It is a characteristic set of abnormalities that includes physical, and mental disorders. Due to the serious consequences of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, there is a huge need for education in this area. There is no alcoholic drink that would be safe for the fetus if drunk by a pregnant woman. Any, even the smallest amount of alcohol, easily penetrates through the placenta. After a few minutes, it reaches a level similar to the maternal level in fetal tissues. The goal of alcohol education is not only to provide knowledge but also to shape desirable attitudes. The level of knowledge of young women’s knowledge about the consumption of alcohol in pregnancy is insuffi cient. The main source of knowledge on the harmfulness of drinking alcohol in pregnancy is the media. The most reliable source of information should be medical personnel. Alcohol and sex education is essential for young generations.

Key words: pregnant adolescents, teenage pregnancies, prenatal care, alcohol fetal syndrome, risky behavior.



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