Lived Pregnancy and Motherhood Experience Among Early Adolescent Mothers

IntroductionThis study explored the experiences of early adolescent mothers (11-15 years) with pregnancy and motherhood.MethodsWe employed a phenomenological qualitative design, with in-depth semi-structured interviews. Snowballing and purposive sampling techniques were used in the selection of 20 early adolescent mothers (11-15 years) for the interview. Data were analyzed using the six-step thematic content analysis espoused by Braun and Clark.ResultsThe causes of adolescent pregnancy include peer pressure, engagement in intimate partner relationships, rape, broken home environment, and alcohol use. The community's reactions to adolescent pregnancy varied, constituting emotional support, social stigma and rejection, and gossip and blame. Challenges during pregnancy included verbal abuse, pregnancy complications, and emotional distress, whereas motherhood challenges involved financial struggles, a lack of time for self-care, breastfeeding issues, and continued verbal abuse. Many of the participants reported excessive bleeding as a complication during childbirth. A few adolescent mothers experienced breech birth and gave birth to preterm babies. Family support, savings, prayers, and medical treatments are strategies that early adolescent mothers adopt to cope with challenges of pregnancy and motherhood.ConclusionIntegrated programs prioritizing parenting education, infant care, nutrition, and child development are essential for the social inclusion and support of early adolescent mothers.