Repeat pregnancies in teenage mothers: An exploratory study.

AIM

To explore young mothers' experience of rapid repeat pregnancy.

BACKGROUND

Despite a reduction in teenage pregnancies in England over the last two decades, the number of repeat pregnancies remains high, accounting for around 25% of teenage pregnancies. There is a lack of qualitative evidence of teenage perspectives making planning appropriate interventions challenging.

DESIGN

Exploratory design.

METHODS

Six young women were purposively sampled from a Family Nurse Partnership programme in the South London. Semi-structured interviews conducted in spring 2017 elicited experiences of repeat pregnancy.

FINDINGS

Each repeat pregnancy was unplanned and accounted for by participants' rejection of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives and inconsistent use of non- Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives. Misinformation about Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives contributed to their rejection and staff delivery of contraceptive advice was influential. Motherhood was initially prioritised over other life goals to make sense of second pregnancy. Discharge from the Family Nurse Partnership may lead to fractured service contacts. Peer support and health professional contact through social media were proposed as "stepping stones" out of the service.

CONCLUSIONS

Practice developments working in partnership with young mothers to reduce the risk of a repeat teenage pregnancy are highlighted. Further research is recommended.

IMPACT

Understanding the experiences of teenage mothers who are at risk of rapid repeat pregnancy can assist nurses to provide preventative care and support. Structured advice through social media platforms can provide "stepping stones" that bridge gaps in provision as young mothers transition through services. Further research and development into the role of social media and contraceptive counselling are necessary.