Actions on education and health and pregnancy in adolescence in the university extension

Abstract

It is known that teenage pregnancy has been considered a global public health problem for more than four decades due to the biological, psychological, economic, educational and family consequences, affecting socioeconomic and health indicators of a country. Pregnant adolescents must have the right to adequate prenatal care, with the possibility of reducing risks to the health of the mother and fetus. Extension actions strengthen the construction of knowledge between the university and the community, which can make it possible to resolve the demands of these adolescents. In this sense, this study aimed to describe extension activities for comprehensive health care for pregnant adolescents and their companions. This is an experience report of professors and students who are members of the Center for Extension and Research in Women's Health and nurses at the service, as a product of the activities of the extension work plan entitled: "Pregnancy in adolescence: special care during pregnancy" developed from July 2018 to June 2019. Health education is an important tool for health promotion and disease prevention for adolescents during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle. It can contribute to the autonomy of women and their companions, enabling them to take a leading role, as it encourages personal appreciation, self-esteem, self-confidence and self-fulfillment. Health education actions can encourage adolescents to perform the roles of mother and father, encouraging them to exercise responsible motherhood and fatherhood.