“I have to provide for another life emotionally, physically and financially”: understanding pregnancy, motherhood and the future aspirations of adolescent mothers in KwaZulu-Natal South, Africa

Abstract

Background Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood has been a controversial and much disputed subject within the field of public health. Early childbearing is not only characterized as a physical body experience but also embodies the experiences and perceptions of the social norms, discourses, conflict and moral judgement. There is an increasing concern that the psychosocial challenges facing adolescent mothers remains in the background since research in this field has mainly focused on the medical and physical complications of early childbearing. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore adolescent pregnancy and motherhood in order to understand this phenomenon from the perspective of adolescent mothers and to gain insight into their future aspirations. Methods This descriptive qualitative study was based on data from four focus group discussions with adolescent mothers utilising healthcare services at a district hospital in Ugu district, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed using thematic analysis. Results Some adolescent mothers’ partners were in denial and rejected them and the child while others’ partners were happy and supported them during their pregnancy. Families’ reactions to the pregnancies ranged between anger and disappointment to abandonment, the silent treatment, and acceptance and forgiveness. The psychological issues experienced by some of the adolescent mothers included suicidal ideation, guilt, loneliness, anxiety, and stress. They also experienced financial constraints, difficulty in returning to school, and stigmatisation in society. The participants envisioned completing their education, focusing on their dream careers, and contributing positively to society. Conclusion Experiences of adolescent pregnancy and parenting are multifaceted and the healthcare needs of pregnant and parenting adolescents extend beyond information and knowledge. A multidisciplinary approach is required in the care of adolescent mothers. A key policy priority should encompass the collaboration of different professionals from various healthcare sectors to assist adolescent mothers in achieving better health and psychosocial and socio-economic outcomes as steps to securing a better future for them.

Stress and coping among unmarried pregnant university students in South Africa

“…Unintended pregnancy, a common problem among young people in tertiary institutions, can have a negative impact on their romantic relationships. In a previous study among outof-school adolescent mothers, participants described their relationship with the child's father as complicated [26]. Young women in our study had expectations of support from their partners and unmet expectations resulted in conflict.…”

“…However, pregnancy came with its own financial demands which sometimes could not be met by the financial resources provided by parents. Similarly, a study among out-of-school adolescent mothers found that they experienced financial difficulties because of reduced financial support from their parents and partners after falling pregnant [26]. Lack of financial resources also affected health seeking behaviour as some participants did not have money for transportation to ANC services.…”

“…Given the risks associated with pregnancy and delivery, and the stressors associated with unintended pregnancy among young people, it seems reasonable to surmise that students who choose to keep their pregnancy may be exposed to high levels of stress. Previous research among pregnant young people has focused mainly on high school students and young people who are out-ofschool [25,26]. However, very little is known about stress and coping among young people in tertiary institutions who get pregnant during the course of their studies and choose to keep the pregnancy.…”

‘They Sent Me Out to School, and I Came Back with a Baby’: Perinatal Women’s Experiences of Biographical Disruption and Nonfatal Suicidal Behaviour

“…Nonetheless our data suggest that this might be an effective approach to maternal suicide prevention in resource constrained environments. Our recommendations for systemic interventions are supported by empirical evidence from LMICs showing the positive impacts on maternal and child health of cash transfers (Bastagli et al, 2019), gender-transformative interventions to promote male engagement in maternal health (Ladur et al, 2021), social support interventions (Bedaso et al, 2021a;Govender et al, 2020;Panday et al, 2009;van den heever et al, 2012) and childcare programmes (Chaturvedi, 2019).…”

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancy: A Narrative Review

“…Suicidal thoughts, guilt, loneliness, worry, and stress are among the psychological concerns faced by several adolescent mothers. They also face difficulties returning to school, low socioeconomic level, and social stigmatization [9,56]. Teen moms are more prone to postpartum depression, and infants of teen mothers are more prone to developmental delays and behavioral issues later in life [56].…”