The Experiences of Adolescents with Their First Pregnancy: A Qualitative Research

Background: Adolescent pregnancies are associated with increased health risks, including preeclampsia, premature birth, anemia, infections, mental health issues, low birth weight, and higher mortality rates for both mother and baby.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the experiences of adolescents regarding their first pregnancy.

Methods: This research was performed as a phenomenological study that utilized qualitative research methods. Individually face-to-face interviews were conducted with 19 adolescents using a semi-structured interview form. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive analysis approaches.

Results: The analysis of data regarding adolescents’ first pregnancy experiences yielded 4 themes and 12 sub-themes. The participating adolescents were aged 16-19; seven of them had received 10 years or more of education, and all lived in the city center. It was found that the adolescents could not adopt behaviors conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Some wished to terminate their pregnancies due to an unwillingness or inability to accept being pregnant. They also received inadequate prenatal care, faced difficulties in baby and personal care, and experienced feelings of loneliness, fear, and rejection towards the baby.

Conclusion: This study examined adolescents’ experiences with their first pregnancies and determined that they did not receive adequate support from healthcare personnel. Some did not wish to become pregnant and faced challenges in baby care and personal hygiene. Providing education and counseling on contraception and healthy lifestyle behaviors can help reduce adolescent pregnancy rates.