Physical and Emotional Repercussions of Pregnancy during Adolescence
Luiz Antonio Del Ciampo *
Department of Puericulture and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Ieda Regina Lopes Del Ciampo
Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Adolescence is a phase marked by physical, emotional and, social changes culminating with sexual development and final adult height, which occur at different stages during the second decade of life. Due to their characteristics of immaturity, impulsiveness, and tendencies to take risky behaviors with sexual activity starting earlier, adolescents are subject to becoming pregnant during the first years after menarche. This article presents some characteristics of the adolescent's growth and development and the repercussions of pregnancy on her physical growth and emotional maturity.
Keywords: Adolescent, adolescent pregnancy, adolescent growth, adolescent development