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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