Adolescent pregnancy: perceptions, behaviors and family members’ experiences

Abstract

Pregnancy in adolescence is a serious social and public health problem due to consequences caused to the mother and to the fetus. This qualitative study aimed to make family members understand the meaning of teenage pregnancy. It was developed with seven families of pregnant teenagers and/or those who gave birth in 2010, assisted in a Family Health Center in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Information was sought on a semi-structured interview conducted at the homes of relatives. The results were organized into themes and analyzed according to the literature. One detected several manifestations of feelings and reactions caused by the uniqueness of history, family dynamics, sociocultural and economic context experienced by the family. Several causes contributed to early pregnancy, which requires a comprehensive approach of health professionals, family, community and government, as well as the inclusion of family members or significant people in a holistic and humane prenatal care.