TEENAGE PREGNANCY: THE ROLE OF NURSING IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND COMPLICATION PREVENTION

Abstract

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health problem, associated with social, educational, and economic factors that impact the physical and emotional well-being of young women. Social vulnerability, a lack of family dialogue about sexuality, and gaps in sex education contribute to early pregnancies, requiring effective preventive and educational actions. Nursing plays a strategic role in health promotion, complication prevention, and health education for this population. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted, searching recognized databases such as SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and BVS. Articles published in the last five years, available in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, that directly addressed nursing practices in health promotion and complication prevention in pregnant adolescents were included. The selection considered inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by exploratory, analytical, and thematic data analysis, allowing the identification of common categories and patterns in nursing interventions. Results: Studies that highlighted the role of nursing in welcoming, active listening, emotional support, guidance on contraceptive methods, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and family planning were selected. Educational strategies involved discussion groups, individual consultations, and school-based initiatives, fostering autonomy, empowerment, and informed decision-making among adolescents. Discussion: Nursing work contributes to reducing psychosocial risks, preventing gestational complications, and promoting comprehensive care, working with multidisciplinary teams to provide ongoing support. The integration of educational and care initiatives strengthens bonds and promotes humanized care, considering the adolescent's family and social context. Conclusion: Strengthening nursing practices focused on pregnant adolescents is essential for promoting comprehensive health, preventing complications, and improving the quality of life of these adolescents and their children.