ABORTIONS IN ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY, Antonio Dushepeev, Emil Kovachev

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 analyzes data regarding the frequency of
adolescent pregnancy and abortions in this age group at UMBAL Burgas AD and provides
clarity on Bulgaria's position in global statistics regarding teenage pregnancy. Objective and
Tasks: The present article aims to present data regarding abortions occurring at UMBAL
Burgas AD, 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 UMBAL Burgas AD. The study included n=133 girls aged between 10 and
18 years and n=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 10-18 years. It is necessary to
develop a national strategy for the prevention of adolescent pregnancy to prevent the
associated risks and complications.
Keywords: adolescent pregnancy, abortions, risks, prevention

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