A HEALTH official said they are alarmed over the high number of teenage pregnancy in Davao City.
According to the data released by Dr. Julinda Acosta, technical division head of the Davao City Health Office, on May 25, 2022, in 2020 the health office recorded 100 childbirths from mothers aged 10 to 14 years old and 3,343 births from mothers aged 15 to 19 years old.
Acosta said the child births among those aged 10 to 14 years old are particularly alarming.
“Alarming, daghan daghan na ni siya for this age group, mga bata pa gyud ni sila, dapat mag-enjoy pa gyud unta ni sila, adolescent pa gud ni sila, and also dili pa gyud sila hamtong (This is alarming, they are too young, they should've enjoyed their adolescence),” Acosta said in an interview with the Davao City Disaster Radio on May 25, 2022.
“Example, 11 years old, bago palang ka nag-regla, bago palang nag-develop ang imong mga reproductive organs system in full, and yet nabuntis dayon ka, medyo may risk (high-risk) talaga (An 11 year old just got their period while her reproductive system is still developing, their pregnancy is too risky).” Acosta said.
She said pregnant teenagers are advised to deliver in the hospital due to the risk of their pregnancy as well as the possibility of maternal death. Acosta said in 2021, there are 22 reported cases, who died during pregnancy, delivery, and in the postpartum period.
As for the right age to conceive, Acosta said that there are factors to consider.
“Ready na gyud ang tao emotional, financial, ready kana makahatag sa imuhang time sa imuhang anak once mahimogso sya, as of the exact age, I cannot tell you but kung moingon ka og 10 to 14 years old, ay dili gyud na sya tama kay very young pa pud na sya, moingon tag 15 years old, dili pa pud na sya tama, maybe 20 years above (If a girl in the age group of 10 to 14 years old is pregnant, they are not yet ready to become mothers, likewise for a 15 year old. If you are going to be a mother, you must be someone who is ready financially and emotionally. You must also be ready to give time to your child. Probably someone in their 20’s might be ready to be a mother).” Acosta said.
Meanwhile, Acosta said that there’s low-quality prenatal care in the city which led them to intensify the safe motherhood program and address maternal death.
According to Acosta, hemorrhage and eclampsia or high blood pressure are the common causes of maternal death.
At least 18 batches of consultative meetings have been scheduled, according to CHO. The establishment of a District Facebook Page for Pregnant Women in the community was also suggested as a venue for stakeholders to receive advocacy updates on prenatal care and programs, as well as access to the online consultation.