Pregnancy in adolescence in eight municipalities of RS: profile of occurrence and services network

Abstract

Pregnancy and maternity in adolescence may be considered vulnerability conditions when they involve social and economical difficulties and hard access and accessibility to health services. This study aims at describing the social, demographic and epidemiological profile of pregnancy between 10 and 19 years old in eight municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul and outlining their health services network. The original data are from SINASC and CNES comprising the years 2000 to 2005. The findings indicate 3,668 live newborns of adolescent mothers. They also evidence insufficient offer of services, adolescents´ low education level, reduced adhesion to the prenatal program, higher levels of premature babies and low weight at birth. One suggests investment in basic health care considering the need of gathering and early insertion of adolescents in the prenatal program and access to health and information for the sexuality exercise within the perspective of the choice rights.

Descriptors: Pregnancy in Adolescence; Rural Health; Primary Health Care.