PREGNANCY AMONG GIRLS AGED 10 TO 14 YEARS IN THE STATE OF ALAGOAS: ANALYSIS OF THE RATE AND OF PREGNANCY AND BIRTH PROFILES

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of pregnancy among girls aged 10 to 14 years living in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, from 2015 to 2024. This is an ecological, descriptive study using data from the Live Birth Information System (SINASC). Maternal sociodemographic, pregnancy, prenatal care and newborn characteristics and the distribution by Health Region were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and the rate of live births to mothers aged 10 to 14 years per 1,000 live births. A total of 5,903 live births to mothers aged 10 to 14 years were recorded (12.1 per 1,000 live births); the rate decreased every year, from 15.8 in 2015 to 8.1 in 2024 (a 49.1% reduction). Most mothers were single (66.54%), had 4 to 7 years of schooling (58.41%) and singleton pregnancies (99.03%); 53.52% attended seven or more prenatal visits and 12.38% attended fewer than four or none. Preterm birth reached 17.06% and low birth weight, 12.69%. Among newborns, males (51.79%), mixed race (parda) (92.51%) and Apgar scores of 8 to 10 at the 1st (83.60%) and 5th minute (94.90%) predominated. The 1st Health Region accounted for 32.98% of births, and the 2nd had the highest rate for the period (20.8 per 1,000 live births). Despite the reduction, pregnancy among girls aged 10 to 14 years remains relevant in Alagoas, with territorial inequalities, reinforcing the need for intersectoral prevention actions, better prenatal care and the protection of girls' rights.