Abortions in adolescent pregnancy
Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2024, 18(3), 46-51.
A. Dushepeev1,2, E. Kovachev2, S. Markova1, Z. Kirovakov1
1 Department of Maternity, UMHAT – Burgas
2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University “Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov” – Varna
Abstract. Adolescence is defined as the age between 10 and 19 years, or the transition between childhood and adulthood. This period is characterized by rapid rates of both physical and psychosocial development. The issue of teenage pregnancy remains relevant globally due to the persistent high frequency in some regions and its serious consequences on the health of young girls. The present article analyses data regarding the frequency of adolescent pregnancy and abortions in this age group at UMHAT Burgas and provides clarity on Bulgaria’s position in global statistics regarding teenage pregnancy. Objective: The present article aims to present data regarding abortions occurring at UMHAT Burgas, dividing them into spontaneous, those due to medical indications, and those at the woman’s request, while simultaneously comparing two groups of patients – adolescent pregnant women and women of mature age. The focus of the article is on teenage pregnancy, the percentage of carried and terminated pregnancies. Based on the collected data, conclusions are drawn about Bulgaria’s position in global statistics regarding adolescent pregnancy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from January 2019 to December 2022 at UMHAT Burgas. The study included 133 girls aged between 10 and 18 years and 1617 mature women who experienced spontaneous abortion, abortion due to medical indications, or opted for abortion by choice. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is a global phenomenon with clearly known causes and serious health, social, and economic consequences. To reduce the number of spontaneous abortions, early diagnosis of pregnancy, early screening for sexually transmitted and other infections, and timely treatment are necessary, along with timely hospitalization when needed. The authors found a relatively low percentage of abortions by choice and spontaneous abortions among adolescent pregnancies compared to births during the same period for the age group above 18 years. It is necessary to develop a national strategy for the prevention of adolescent pregnancy to prevent the associated risks and complications.
Key words: adolescent pregnancy, abortions, risks, prevention.
Address for correspondence: Antonio Dushepeev, MD, e-mail: andie@abv.bg