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Young and Pregnant

Abstract:

This study reveals the experience of ‘being pregnant’ as a young woman. The research is set in the context of South Auckland, New Zealand, where women under the age of 19 face the opinions and judgments of a societal view that they are too young to be pregnant. Using a phenomenological approach it captures their perspective of the many tensions they face. ‘Being pregnant’ changed the young women in this study. They talked of ‘coming to accept’ being pregnant while ‘becoming’ significantly different. Even with the ‘shock’ of the news and the implications of it, these young women talk about having a sense that it was ‘right’ to keep on with the pregnancy. In the face of many difficulties young women show how they adapt to the changes thrown upon them. They are influenced by peers, impacted by society and frightened of the future. It is only when the pregnancy ‘hits’ young women that they comprehend what it means to be pregnant. In this experience young women seek out ‘others’ who will provide them with necessary support and care. One significant ‘other’ is the midwife. This study has exposed the need for midwives to ‘work alongside’ young pregnant women assisting them in making the experience of ‘being pregnant’ easier. It is vital that midwives earn the trust of young women so that they can provide effective midwifery care.

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South Auckland, teenage pregnancy, young pregnant women