Complex social factors affecting pregnancy and childbirth in teenagers; a case study

Abstract

Thorough examination of a case study involving complex social issues and analysis of the evidence identifies the factors affecting the planning and management of individualised maternity care for Sarah, a 13 year old girl expecting her first baby. The midwives’ role in evaluating the impact of the psychological, social and physical influences on teenage pregnancy and childbearing is explored. This article demonstrates the challenges posed to the midwife in delivering optimised care to a teenage client, throughout the antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum periods. Social exclusion, poor education, poor antenatal care, lacking a strong family support network, allied/developing additional complex issues in symbiosis (more frequently mental health issues and substance and/or alcohol misuse), and postpartum physical and psychological recovery will be explored.