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Intervention - The consequences listed above in unprotected sexual activity and teenage pregnancy supports the need to develop prevention programs and intervention in schools and community. An abundant literature suggests the use of various prevention strategies in primary and secondary, in order to delay sexual activity or increasing responsible sexual behavior such as contraceptive use. In general, intervention is more effective when it reaches teens or tweens having yet had any sexual contact.
Sex education programs - This strategy is the most widely used of the prevention programs implemented in schools. The majority of students benefit but the sex education programs vary from school to school. Overall, 94% target drive to resolve issues concerning sexuality, 77% include the teaching of concepts on reproduction and 40% emphasize abstinence.
Unfortunately, very few programs provide information on contraceptive methods and how to get them. The benefits of this type of traditional sex education show effectiveness in increasing students’ knowledge about the anatomy of man and woman, contraceptive methods (when included in the protocol), the risks of pregnancy and STD. However, the results are less promising in regard to changing sexual behavior and use of effective contraceptive methods. Indeed, it seems that better knowledge does not correspond to more responsible behavior.
In addition, programs with a rigid vision of sexuality, wanting to promote abstinence until marriage, are very ineffective in reducing the time and sex. They prove particularly ineffective in reducing the risks of pregnancy and STDs. In general, improved contraceptive use is noticed only when specific information to that effect is included in the protocol and when information about AIDS, STDs and modes of transmission of these diseases are discussed. Finally, the efficacy studies on sex education are few and tend not to show any significant decline in pregnancies among the participants.
Training in problem solving and communication - The premise for the basis of this intervention strategy refers to the fact that young people with little ability to assert or low skills to solve potential problems are more at risk of unwanted pregnancies. Through role playing, group discussion and modeling, teens learn various strategies to refuse unwanted sexual advances to negotiate safely and behaviors of personal security, while acknowledging their vulnerability to the sexual activity.
The programs of effective problem solving are based on the theory of social learning, recognizing the impact of peer influence. Moreover, these programs show young people how to cope with social pressures, while asserting confidently. They emphasize the risks of unprotected sex, while reinforcing behaviors and attitudes of personal protection. Finally, they include activities to promote communication skills and decision making.
Some authors suggest that pregnancy prevention requires five distinct steps, ie, 1) the acquisition and maintenance of design information and contraceptive methods, 2) awareness of its vulnerability to sexual relations, 3) l obtaining contraceptives, 4) communication with partner about contraceptives and 5) proper use of contraceptives. An important point concerns the need for teens to plan and consider their future sexuality to be able to adopt attitudes of personal safety. Again, the effectiveness of such programs is mixed. However, some studies report benefits such as time of first intercourse, increased use of contraceptives (especially condoms) and lower relations with multiple partners or partners at risk.
Access to contraceptives - To facilitate access to contraceptives, the researchers propose to distribute condoms in schools. In the United States, 60% of adults favor this strategy, yet less than 8% of students receive. The impact of condom distribution in schools on the impact of their use and the rate of STDs is not yet known. However, impact assessment based on six schools suggest increases in the use of condoms, with a concomitant decrease in the consumption of alcohol and drugs. ]]>
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Indeed, one U.S. survey (AGI, 1994) indicates that 80% of students between the 8th and 11th year (between 13 and 16 years old) are victims of messages or unwanted sexual advances, from another student. In addition, 60% of these same students say they themselves have already taken action or expressed about unwanted sex.Finally, more than half of teens aged 15 mentioned having never discussed contraception or STDs with their parent, while a third said they had never discussed fertility or reproduction.
Implications and consequences - The consequences of this increase in teenage pregnancy are very serious, with impact on quality of life of adolescents and that of their offspring. Among these consequences, there are STDs that can be fatal or incurable, abortion and adoption as well as cognitive and behavioral disorders of children of adolescents.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - The risk for sexually active adolescents for STDs is higher than the risk of pregnancy. About three million teenagers contract an STD each year, which corresponds to 25% of sexually active adolescents. Moreover, they represent a quarter of all new cases of STDs per year. Sex, age and number of partners are among the factors influencing the transmission of STDs.
Firstly, women are more at risk than men because their anatomy facilitates the transmission of infections. They are twice as likely to contract gonorrhea, chlamydia and hepatitis B following a single unprotected sex with an infected partner. Then, more adolescents become sexually active at a young age, they are more at risk of contracting an STD.
On the one hand, because they have fewer antibodies against STDs and secondly, because they are less likely to use contraceptives because of cost and inconvenience associated. In addition, partners of adolescent girls are often older, more experienced and therefore more likely to have an STD.Obviously, a large number of partners is at a higher risk of transmission of STDs. Finally, the implications of these STDs can be very serious, ranging from infertility, cancer, HIV infection and AIDS.
Abortion and adoption - The third of a million teenage pregnancies each year choose to have an abortion (AGI, 1994).Most of them are young and low income that influence this decision. Although married adolescents are more likely to complete their pregnancy, 25% decided however to have an abortion. On the other hand, research shows that teens who choose abortion are more like those who are not pregnant. Indeed, these two groups of adolescents from families of low socio-economic status and they have further aspirations for their future.
Moreover, some teens decide to give their child up for adoption after birth. This decision is influenced by several factors, such as the relationship with the family, attachment to the fetus during pregnancy, family support, cognitive development, participation in activities guided decision making and the opportunity to consider alternatives. It is important to note that adolescents who choose abortion or adoption may experience intense emotions related to bereavement.
Children of teenage parents - Support social and economic limits of teenage unrealistic expectations towards children and parenting, and their immature development predisposing factors contribute to the children of adolescent developmental disabilities and social problems.
First, when families of pregnant adolescents are reluctant to pregnancy, prenatal care are often inadequate, increasing the risk of health problems for the child and the need for frequent hospitalization during the ’childhood.Secondly, the fact that adolescents are immature and often focus on themselves, preventing them from being sensitive to the developmental needs of their child. Furthermore, many children of teen parents show low cognitive abilities, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. They are also more likely to develop adjustment problems and to demonstrate low social skills.
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A large proportion of adolescents are suffering from STDs and young girls become pregnant and very young mothers. Given the increase in teenage pregnancies and the consequences on quality of life of these persons, an intervention, including programs of primary prevention, individual therapy and group therapy is needed in primary schools.
Before intervening, it is essential to understand the underlying factors for early sex and unprotected leading to unwanted pregnancies and STDs among adolescents. These risk factors include individual characteristics of adolescents as well as environmental factors.
Individual characteristics of adolescents - Teenagers are generally looking for thrills. They seek pleasure and danger of attempting to explore the world by taking various risks, such as abuse of drugs or alcohol, school failure, dropping out, violence and unprotected sexual activity. Some provisions may explain why these risky behaviors are part of their lives.
Firstly, adolescents have little ability to design the future and anticipate the consequences of their actions. This gap causes a decrease in their motivation to make realistic career choices and to take measures necessary to succeed academically.
Second, adolescents also maintain several stereotyped beliefs and erroneous. They think, for example, that safe sex is not as nice or that there is no risk of pregnancy or STDs if they wash immediately after. Moreover, this leads to neglect behaviors related to the feeling of being untouchable. Indeed, the most widespread belief among adolescents is that events as unfortunate as disease and pregnancy can happen to them. Finally, adolescents often manifest embarrassment and shame when confronted with information about contraception or sexuality.
Finally, one last feature makes adolescents at risk due to the fact that pregnancy and motherhood are seen as signs of independence and detachment from their own parent.Ironically, the emotional and financial dependence usually increases during pregnancy and following childbirth.
Environmental Factors - These factors relate to education, family values and socio-economic influence sexual activity.Among these, poverty comes first. Indeed, several authors reported that young women with low economic status showed little motivation to avoid pregnancy and then have less recourse to abortion than those from wealthy families. Adolescents often perceive pregnancy as a way of escaping the vicious circle of poverty.
A second environmental factor is the ethnic background of adolescents. In the United States, nearly 20% of African women aged between 15 and 19 become pregnant each year. Compared with Hispanic and adolescents of European origin, the African use less effective contraceptive.In addition, adolescent Hispanic and African tend to carry their pregnancy to term (over 50% of cases), while those of European origin have abortions in more than 60% of cases.
Moreover, several studies report that Hispanics are less concerned about the danger of becoming pregnant, compared to other girls. It seems that a positive attitude towards early pregnancy contributes to increase the pregnancy rate for this population, culturally speaking.
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Data from R. Scholler, Monitoring hormonal pregnancy (Medical Encyclopedia and Chrirugicale, Paris, 1980). Caption:WA(Week Amenorrhea = since the first day of your last period) - WP (week of pregnancy) - NR (not given because too small to be measurable)
Average dose in mIU / ml normal dosage range
First month of pregnancy (2 SA - 6 SA)
Day 10 / 3 SA / 1 SG + 3
10
10 and 30
Day 11 / 3 SA / 1 SG + 4
18
18 and 40
Day 12 / 3 SA / 1 GS + 5
30
30 and 110
Day 13 / 3 SA / 1 GS + 6
50
10 and 180
Day 14 / 4 SA / 2 SG
80
16 and 300
Day 15 / 4 SA / 2 GS + 1
130
27 and 300
Day 16 / 4 SA / 2 GS + 2
220
44 and 800
Day 17 / 4 SA / 2 GS + 3
350
70 and 1 330
Day 18 / 4 SA / 2 GS + 4
600
120 and 2 000
Day 19 / 4 SA / 2 GS + 5
900
190 and 3 500
Day 20 / 4 SA / 2 GS + 6
1 500
320 and 6 000
Day 21 / 5 SA / 3 SG
2 500
550 and 9 500
Day 22 / 5 SA / 3 CS + 1
4 000
850 and 15 000
Day 28 / 6 SA
28 000
2 400 70 000
Second month of pregnancy (7 SA - 10 A)
7 SA / 5 GS
57 000
10 000 130 000
8 SA / 6 GS
94 000
30 000 190 000
9 SA / 7 SG
87 000
35 000 160 000
10 SA / 8 GS
76 000
25 000 140 000
Third month of pregnancy (11 SA - 15 A)
11 SA / 9 GS
67 000
20 000 120 000
12 SA / 10 SG
57 000
16 000 105 000
13 SA / 11 SG
48 000
12 000 90 000
14 SA / 12 SG
37 000
10 000 70 000
15 SA / 13 SG
27 000
7 000 62 000
Fourth month of pregnancy (16 SA - 19 A)
16 SA / 14 SG
22 000
5 500 43 000
17 SA / 15 SG
18 000
4 000 30 000
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A pregnancy test gives precise indications about the presence of a specific hormone: the hormone chorionic gonadotropin (or HCG or beta-HCG). This hormone is detectable approximately eight days after fertilization. In fact, once fertilization performed and the onset of egg, it remains free and floating in the tube until it reaches the uterine cavity and bind via one of its ends. The cells of this end will begin to secrete hormones (beta-hCG) to maintain the ovarian secretions to the rules of not returning: unique condition that the egg remains attached to the uterine wall.
It is this hormone chorionic gonadotropin, not present in females not fertilized, which is detected by pregnancy test. The amount of hCG doubles every two days until about the twelfth week of pregnancy before falling, but still detectable in the blood and urine throughout the pregnancy period. There are several types of pregnancy tests:
1 - Definition urine pregnancy test
It can detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in urine by the presence of antibodies that react positively or negatively by displaying a specific color.
2 - Defining pregnancy test by blood
After an appointment with your doctor, he may prescribe a blood test at a laboratory analysis.The principle is the same as for a urine test: detection of the hormone HCG.
3 - Defining pregnancy test saliva
Its main strength lies in its ease of use. Once the pregnancy test is chosen, it is necessary to know precisely its rate of reliability, to avoid any nasty surprises …
The operating principle of pregnancy tests is simple: we verified the presence of the hormone hCG, also known as pregnancy hormone (present only in pregnant women) in the urine of women. If so (or more precisely if there are sufficient for it to be detected), this hormone reacts with specific antibodies present on the test. This shows the little blue strip in case of positive test (according to the marks, symbols differed for positive and negative, be sure to consult the instructions to properly interpret the results).
When to do the pregnancy test?
We have said, the test is reliable if it is positive, pregnant lady is, no doubt!
However, false negatives may occur if the test is done too quickly. Indeed, growth hormone must be present in sufficient quantities in the urine to be detected by the test. So do not run too fast at the pharmacy. If your sex to carry a fertilized egg, it begins a journey along 6 to 7 days through the fallopian tube before reaching the uterus. It is only then that the embryo will implant in the uterine lining (the so-called implantation), and that the pregnancy hormone HCG begins to be produced. But it will take another few days before the rate it reaches a level sufficient to be detected by pregnancy tests. Ultimately, it will have to wait ten days between the time when fertilization has taken place and the moment you can pass this test. ]]>
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Although experts can not agree on the amount of alcohol needed to harm the baby, it is generally accepted that it must drink a lot and regularly to significantly harm the baby. It seems unlikely that your baby is affected by one or two “cooked” taken by the mother before it has realized that she was pregnant.
Enough is how? Most experts say that one should not drink more than 8 units of alcohol per week during pregnancy (or even while they seek to have a baby). The mother should not drink more than two units of alcohol per day. You can use the table below to get an idea of alcohol in a drink.
Many women are choosing simply to stop consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. One reason is simply that they no longer feel pleasure to consume, or that to stop them completely avoid the temptation to take another “one last drink.” Or they make a compromise, just by drinking a glass or two once or twice a week.
Units of alcohol - It can be difficult to assess what a unit of alcohol, since the volume of liquid varies from one drink to another. Here are some typical drinks which contain a unit of alcohol:
- 1 dose of alcohol in bars (25ml)
- 1 glass of wine (100mls)
- 1 glass of regular beer
- ½ glass of strong beer or cider
- 1 glass of sherry, port, vermouth (55ml)
(1 unit of alcohol = 10g of alcohol) -Using this information, you can estimate the amount of alcohol consumed, even at home.
How to reduce - Check, or let them control the% of alcohol present on the labels of bottles and cans, and choose those that contain the least.
- Try the wines and beers without alcohol
- Cut his thirst with soft drinks
- Encourage them to sip their drinks and table before taking a sip
- Find it in other ways to relax - let him run a hot bath, made of cuddly, made him listen to music …
If the mother has the habit of drinking a lot, it can be difficult to stop or significantly reduce the dose now she is pregnant. She will need help from yours and that of others, both for his sake and that of the baby. Admitting she has alcohol problems may not be easy. But alcohol addiction can be overcome as any other form of dependence and specialists are ready to help.Talk to your doctor. And above all, support there, always encouraging.
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If the mother smokes during pregnancy, she will hurt her, but also to the baby. A baby born to a smoking mother has: More likely to be abnormal in some way or another than the other babies; More likely to have a defective placenta; Twice as likely to be born prematurely; Three times more likely to be born with low weight (even if born at term); More likely than other babies to die during their first year of life (SIDS)
Do not make the mistake of thinking that delivering a smaller child is easier. A smaller baby implies less strength to cope with labor and childbirth, and is more likely to die at that time. And born small can affect their health even during his adult life.
In what way smoking harms your baby - Each time you pull on a cigarette, the gas that it inspires is carbon monoxide. This gas interferes with the transport of oxygen in the blood and oxygen supply to your baby is reduced.Without a good supply of oxygen, the growth of your baby may be affected.
The nicotine in cigarettes is also harmful to a teen mother ,or a mother of any age . It constricts blood vessels in the placenta, which further reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your baby. Nicotine also has the effect of speeding up the heartbeat of your baby. Recent studies have shown that nicotine from each cigarette smoked by the mother through the baby and is concentrated in the fluid in which it floats.
While smoking cigarettes with less nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar, it is possible to slightly reduce the effects of smoking on your baby. For many women, smoking has a small leak from the pressures of life every day, and stopping is not easy. But for the sake of your baby you should encourage him to do, or at least diminish.It is never too late to stop when you are pregnant, or to reduce the number or strength of cigarettes. Your baby will feel the benefits immediately.
And of course if you, the future father, a smoker, you should also make the effort to stop, to support the mom of one hand and to minimize the passive smoke. Alcohol crosses the placenta and reaches your baby quickly, and drinking heavily during pregnancy can harm your baby.
If the mother drinks more than six units of alcohol per day during her pregnancy, the risk of harming the baby is very high. It may be born with impaired vision, hearing, and in its future ability to learn. Drinking between two and six units of alcohol a day can lead to reduced forms of these handicaps. Smoking, poor nutrition and drug use increase the risk of having a baby with these problems. ]]>
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We saw the desire and libido for mothers vary during pregnancy, and depends on many things, which makes it difficult or impossible to predict accurately what he be. Spontaneously, one might be inclined to believe that it is in women as changes occur and will affect the couple’s sexuality. But it appears increasingly that many women face the changes of man in this area. Now that sex during pregnancy is no longer a taboo, it is not uncommon to see women say they feel they lost to reactions of the future father, they do not recognize.
Of course, in the case of man, everything is played on a psychological level, given that apart from a few rare cases where the father is the future comrade, there is no physiological change in the body of one. Here everything will depend on what happens in his head, consciously or unconsciously, and to generalize is even more difficult perhaps than in the case of women. For some, there will be no change, others will live up or down their libido, others will be more tender than passionate … All scenarios are possible. And this, from the announcement of the pregnancy.
When the news hits, if the pregnancy was highly desired by both prospective parents, the joy is often very strong. This child is the fruit of love, and as the symptoms of pregnancy do not disturb the mother is in some sort of second honeymoon, which is offered to the couple. More in love than ever, hugs are common.
Conversely, it is possible that the successful listing disrupt human and that it has other things in mind the desire of his partner. This state may last longer or shorter, as the future father did not find a certain serenity. Fears that can attack can reduce his libido to the lowest. But most often, the first quarter was a period where you can feel a little frustrated because small inconveniences of pregnancy can calm the libido of the Mom and Dad will remain a little hungry.
During the second quarter, the fat begins to be for good. The breasts of the mother gain in volume, which are not indifferent to some men. Like the belly. In addition, the mother is most often full and radiant with happiness, feel more beautiful than ever and perhaps that his libido is at the top, making it even more desirable in the eyes of his companion.
Conversely, the fact of seeing a woman becoming a mother can stop libido future dad. It no longer sees the woman but only the mother. It is for him a sacred image with no sexual connotation. It may consider the mere idea of considering hugs as a sin. For him, a pregnant woman does not touch. The reason must certainly be sought in the influence of our culture where sexuality during pregnancy was taboo. ]]>
What should I avoid at work or at home?
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There are some dangers, such as radiation, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, carbon disulfide, acids and gas anesthetics. The radiation from computer screens does not seem harmful.
Those who work in health care facilities or child care may be at risk for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and parvovirus B19 (fifth disease) transmitted by infected children.
Avoid pesticides and toxic fumes, both at work and at home
To determine if you are exposed to certain hazards in your workplace and at home, talk with your family doctor. At work, whether products are dangerous to the baby, you can wear a dress or special equipment to protect the baby, or you can ask to be transferred temporarily before and during pregnancy.
The dangers of heat
The hot baths, even if they are relaxing, can harm the health of your baby during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some research has shown that excessive heat or fever, a bath or sauna during the first three months of pregnancy may cause birth defects in your baby.
Can I take medication?
Prescription drugs and OTC can affect your baby
If you often need to take medication because of health problems like asthma and epilepsy, thyroid disorders or migraines, discuss treatment with your doctor. It can take many of these drugs safely during pregnancy but it is always best to check.
Should I be tested before becoming pregnant?
You may need to undergo some tests to see if you have problems that threaten your health or your baby during pregnancy. Tests can be done before pregnancy to prevent some problems for you and baby.
Rubella. If you do not remember having had rubella or been vaccinated against the disease, a blood test will know. It can be very bad for the baby to catch rubella while you are pregnant, what can be prevented by getting vaccinated at least one month before trying to become pregnant.
Chickenpox. If you do not remember having had chickenpox or been vaccinated against the disease, a blood test will know. It can be very bad for the baby to catch chickenpox during pregnancy. It can be prevented by getting vaccinated at least one month before trying to become pregnant.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It may be more difficult to become pregnant if you have an STD like gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia, not to mention that this may affect your baby. It is possible to treat STDs before pregnancy.
Infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency). HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and can be transmitted to your baby.
Other problems. Your doctor may wish to perform other tests if you are at risk of other problems such as anemia and hepatitis.
And if I have a health problem?
During pregnancy, it must closely monitor diabetes, hypertension and circulatory problems. It is often easier to deal with problems or to control before becoming pregnant.
Beware of phenylketonuria
Are you born with PKU? If yes, you’ve probably followed a special diet low in phenylalanine (an amino acid present in many foods rich in protein) during your childhood. Consult your doctor or dietitian to begin again the same diet before becoming pregnant. Otherwise, your baby may suffer mental retardation, low birth weight and present other problems.
Will my baby be at risk of genetic problems?
Your baby may be at risk for certain problems that are present in your family. There are genetic diseases, eg cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and thalassemia (a type of anemia). These problems are not caused by what you do. Your baby is also at higher risk of genetic problems if you are over 35 years
]]>If you’re overweight, you are more likely to suffer from hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy. If you need to lose weight, take the opportunity to do before pregnancy.
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Can I exercise?
Yes. Plus you’ll be in good physical condition will be easier pregnancy and childbirth. But if you do too much exercise, it may be more difficult to become pregnant. During pregnancy, it can be dangerous to do too much exercise. If you have never done so, start before becoming pregnant.You can then maintain a light exercise program. Walking daily is one of the best exercises. Ask your doctor what would be the exercise program best suited for you.
Should I change my habits?
Tobacco, alcohol and drugs can cause serious damage to your baby and may even cause miscarriage. If you use tobacco, alcohol or drugs, get help from your doctor to stop. Do not be embarrassed or shy to talk to your doctor. He or she will want to help you find a way to stop the use.
Tobacco. Tobacco is responsible for miscarriage, bleeding, premature birth and low birth weight Ala. It is also linked to sudden death syndrome in infants and babies die for no apparent reason.Children of smokers may do less well on IQ tests and their physical development is slower.
Alcohol. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, responsible for numerous problems including mental retardation, growth retardation, malformations of the face and a head too small. Do not drink alcohol or as little as possible before and during pregnancy.
Illicit drugs. The use of marijuana, cocaine and other illicit drugs increases the chances of miscarriage, premature birth and birth. With some drugs, the baby will be born with an addiction to drugs used by mother and live a period of withdrawal.
Cats and toxoplasmosis
There you may be told that pregnant women should not clean cat litter. It’s that cat feces can transmit the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis does not usually affect children and adults but can cause birth defects, including brain damage and blindness. You can also get toxoplasmosis if you eat red meat raw or undercooked or in contact with soil contaminated by the feces of cats, as in the garden for example.
What should I avoid at work or at home?
There are some dangers, such as radiation, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, carbon disulfide, acids and gas anesthetics. The radiation from computer screens does not seem harmful.
Those who work in health care facilities or child care may be at risk for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and parvovirus B19 (fifth disease) transmitted by infected children.
Avoid pesticides and toxic fumes, both at work and at home
To determine if you are exposed to certain hazards in your workplace and at home, talk with your doctor. At work, whether products are dangerous to the baby, you can wear a dress or special equipment to protect the baby, or you can ask to be transferred temporarily before and during pregnancy.
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