Teenage Pregnancy Teenage Mothers Experiences and Perspectives A Qualitative Study

ELK ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)
www.elkjournals.com
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TEENAGE PREGNANCY: TEENAGE MOTHERS’ EXPERIENCES AND
PERSPECTIVES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Yahya Muhammed Bah

University of The Gambia
School of Arts and Sciences
Brikam Campus
The Gambia, West Africa
yahyamuhammed@yahoo.co.uk
ABSTRACT
Teenage pregnancy is both a social and a public health problem in The Gambia and as such it continues to
be a concern to families, community leaders, educators, social workers, health care professionals, the
government and its partners. Though there are some studies on the topic of teen pregnancy and school
dropout, there is a limited material on the perceptions held by teens about teenage pregnancy, contributing
factors and childbearing, difficulties encountered by teen parents, needed preventive and curative
programmes. The purpose of the study was first to explore and describe the major causes of teenage
pregnancy and childbearing despite the fact that contraceptive is widely available and family life education
being taught in all schools. Secondly, examine the problems the teenagers encounter after becoming
mothers. Thirdly, examine the ways the teen mothers cope and adapt to the situation of becoming mothers.
An exploratory, descriptive, contextual and qualitative design was adopted. Semi-structured qualitative
interviews and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from ten (10) teenage mothers and five
(5) professionals. The data was presented and analysed through the narrative accounts which constituted
the stories the teenage mothers tell about their own experiences and the views of the professionals. The
findings revealed among other things, teenagers do not only need information and skills about how to
abstain from unwanted or unhealthy sexual activity; they also need to receive accurate, balanced, age-
appropriate information about sexuality and sexual behaviour. They need open discussions, hear up to date
and consistent messages about responsible sexual behaviour, including information about contraception
before they become sexually active. Furthermore able to develop the require skills in communication and
sexual decision making so that sex does not “just happen.”Experiences clearly manifest that teenage
pregnancy and childbearing is not the less a monolithic problem, but one with different causes and
consequences. Acceptance and social support is critical in helping teenage mothers acquire problem
solving skills which they can apply over their life span to enable them survive, develop, and achieve
success, that enhances coping and adaptation to teenage pregnancy, childbearing and motherhood.
Keywords: teenage pregnancy, childbearing and motherhood.

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Introduction the children up for adoption, or
Teenage is a period characterised by terminating the pregnancies with
transition lying between childhood and abortions. Teenage pregnancy and
adulthood with significant changes in childbearing is a phenomenon that has
both the biological and social spheres of significant ramifications at personal,
life. Wider social and economic changes, societal, as well as global levels. From
and sometimes, social class shape the the perspective of communities and
condition of teenage-hood. During this governments, teenage pregnancy and
transition today’s teenagers are childbearing have a strong and
bombarded with a constant barrage of unwelcome association with low levels
sexual images in popular culture, from of educational achievement for young
advertisements to films to song lyrics. women, which in turn may have a
Jones et al, (1986) speculate that, films, negative impact on their position and
music, radio, and television tell potential contribution to society (United
teenagers that sex is romantic, exciting, Nations, 1995).1 Globally as Singh,
titillating… yet, at the same time (1998) portrays, the rates of population
teenagers see or hear nothing or a little growth are more rapid when women
about contraceptives or the importance have their first child before they are in
of avoiding pregnancy. As a result some their twenties. For the teenage herself,
of them engage in sexual intercourse and for her family, the meaning and
while they are still young, the situation consequences of teenage childbearing
that may affect their lives. Some among range widely. These consequences vary
the sexually active teenagers do not from the positive, since it is a fulfilment
understand the risks of pregnancy. If of an expected progress from childhood
these teenagers do not make responsible to the adult status conferred by marriage
choices concerning their sex lives, and and motherhood and the joy and rewards
become pregnant they may be of having a baby, to the negative, since
confronted with a difficult set of she faces the burden of caring for and
decisions. Their option can be having raising up a child before she is
children and become mothers, placing

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emotionally or physically prepared to do that makes accessing family planning
so. Singh, (ibid) argues that, in some services including contraceptives being
countries, an unmarried adolescent free and available nearly every part of
mother is likely to experience social the country. The Gambia though still
exclusion and financial difficulties. highly influences by African traditional
Early childbearing may also result beliefs and practices is significantly
unhappiness to the teenager because the edging towards modernity in light of the
birth was unplanned and also marital political commitment to the promotion
conflict as a result of being married in and protection of the women and
order to have a child born within a children by implementing certain
socially recognized union2. Moreover recommendations of International
early childbearing can disappoint the agreements and treaties that have a
teenager due to the failure to complete bearing on the sexual and reproductive
her education as she before planned, and rights of adolescents. One among those
due to loss of earning opportunities such being the right for teenagers to make
as having better career. In The Gambia, their own decisions, express themselves,
sex education known as Family Life say no to sex, choose to marry or not;
Education (FLE) that focuses on family and plan a family. In The Gambia
planning, the use of contraceptives, traditionally, sex education was provided
women's rights, sexual and sexuality through traditional methods like old
relations, etc. is introduced in almost all women stories-telling particularly at
schools. Both the National Gender night either when sitting around the fire
Policy in school and the National in the cold, outside in veranda while
Reproductive Health has brought huge raining slowly, or sitting a circle in
transformations in terms protecting the middle of the compound during
rights of the girl child including moonlight, etc. Through this informal
reproductive rights and gender equality education teenager especially the girls
2 In some cultures, pregnancy can

precipitate marriage because social opprobrium
1 Quoted by Singh, (1998). for unmarried mothers is strong. (Singh, 1998).

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were seriously warned to delay the onset societies abortion is illegal largely
of sexual intercourse which has because of religious and cultural reasons,
significantly assisted to control teenage which condemn abortion and the use of
pregnancies. However, with the contraceptives as sinful. Nonetheless,
unprecedented socio-economic and some of the teenagers who became
political developments taking place pregnant do perform illegal abortion,
around the globe The Gambia included, which in most cases result to
this informal method of teaching family psychological, mental, social, physical,
planning methods has seen a rapid mental impairments and even sometimes
declined and being substituted by the deaths. However, some decide to have
formal methods. However, with all the babies, but because of the social stigma
efforts this course seems to be equally and lack of support for caring for these
failing the teenagers in terms of babies teenage mothers find it very
providing the requisite fundamental and extremely difficult to adequately meet
update sex education knowledge and their parental obligations and as such
skills. Thus, the country has started some end up dumping their babies in
witnessing unprecedented increment in latrines, carriages, football pitches,
teenage pregnancies and the most beaches, cross roads, markets, or
unfortunate baby dumping and/or garbage pits. This study aims to research
straggling to dead. Undoubtedly this the problems of teenage pregnancy and
unfortunate situation left the future of childbearing in The Gambia. Believing
the teenage girls to be coached through that The Gambian teenagers don't exist
narrowly defined options, especially in vacuum, but in a world where images
those who are still in school in the form of and illusions to sex are abundant
of “pushed-out” from school. And as either through entertainments,
such instead of becoming that advertisements, the print and electronic
fundamental human resource for national media; and in their personal and family
development, they become a real burden lives, social planners need to have
to their families and the national at large. empirical data in this area of life. For
In The Gambia like many African whatever reasons, when teenagers

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become pregnant, they need the same on transition from pregnancy to
physical care as adult women since the parenthood. Also, they should be helped
symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, to set realistic goals for life after
breast tenderness, and fatigue) are the pregnancy, such as returning to work or
same as for the adults. Although in some school and their relationship with the
communities, the pregnant teenagers are babies’ fathers. All these are necessary
treated the same way as adults with for the wellbeing of teenage mothers,
regard to the body, teenagers need extra fathers as well as the children; and the
care in the way of psychological and society at large.
emotional support. Teenagers who
become pregnant can have many Statement of the problem
different emotional reactions; some may Teenage pregnancy and childbearing is a
want babies in idealized and confused complex problem with no single
ways. They may view the creation of a solution. This is because once young
child as an achievement and not people begin having sex it becomes
recognize the serious responsibilities. difficult to reduce their sexual risk-
Sometimes they may want their babies to taking behaviour. Many parents know
have some people to love, but failed to relationships exist between their young
recognize the quality of care the babies and others, but they tend to have the
need. Often, they do not anticipate that denial defence mechanism that their
their babies can also be demanding and teenagers do not practice sexual
sometimes irritating. Some teenagers intercourse. To address the problem of
become overwhelmed by guilty, anxiety, teenage pregnancy and childbearing one
and fears about the future. Depression is has to face the fact that young people are
also common among pregnant teenagers. having sex at a younger age, that they
To overcome the above captioned are enjoying it and are unlikely to stop.
problems and many others, teenagers To understand the incidence of teen
need to be supported in many ways such pregnancy and childbearing, the
as encouragement, access to quality contributing factors should be
health care and food as well as guidance understood. These factors vary from

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social, economic as well as cultural and frequency of intercourse, and decrease
psychological background. For instance, the number of teens' sexual partners. The
poverty in many societies plays a major report suggests that those programs can
factor in increasing teenage pregnancy. increase the use of condoms and other
Also there are cultures that allow contraceptives for those who are
teenage girls to be married, the situation sexually active. All these can
that leads them to have teenage successfully lower the teenage
pregnancies and later on children. pregnancies and this is also some of
Psychologically, teenage is a time of things done by The Gambia. In spite of
tremendous biological changes. Pubertal all the emphasis on education as one of
development may increase sexual desire the fundamental means of preventing
for a teenage and hence result to teenage unwanted pregnancies, some teens
pregnancy. Moreover, the near- become pregnant at an unacceptable rate
disintegrating of some fundamental argued some advocates. Some of them
social institutions act as a contributing choose illegal, highly secretive and risky
factor. The family, for example, as a abortion, and some decide to have babies
major agent of socialization seems to put and become parents. The reasons for
aside its role of educating and deciding to go in for abortion are
communicating with teenagers about numerous and include social stigma,
sexual issues, and leave the task to the family breakdown, being disowned,
school. Schools, with the aim of associated changes in teens’ lives, fears
reducing teenage pregnancy teach the of being immature, being unable to meet
young to take responsibility for their the financial obligations, etc. Those who
sexual health. Kirby, (1997) report for choose to have babies do so equally for
the US National Campaign to prevent many reasons such wanting to be
Teen Pregnancy indicates that, famous, showing that they are someone
prevention programs that include (mothers), etc. However becoming a
information about delaying intercourse teen mother is a tough stuff. For instance
and about contraception can delay the as a student, having a baby can often
onset of intercourse, reduce the interfere with studies. School becomes

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the only activity one has in common roles. The study also aims to assess the
with friends. When the last bell rings the way the teen mothers cope and adapt the
teenage mother has to return situation of motherhood. It presupposes
immediately to her caring responsibility, that the state, through the social welfare
while her friends stand in the hall-wall services help the teen mothers in coping
way discussing their plan for the and adapting with the situation of
evenings. The national social policies becoming mothers.
promote better life for all the citizenry.
In this regards, the Government and the Significance of the study
non-governmental organisations The significance of this study is in three
endeavour to assist teens who have folds:
babies while they are still students by 1) It will be helpful to the school
letting them continue with their studies counsellors and social workers
after delivery and some months of working with the youth, parents
exclusive breast feeding which could be of pregnant girls who decide to
one and a half years post-delivery. In raise babies, in providing
retaining them in school and avoid effective help and
overlaps, they are encourage to attend encouragement as well as
regular counselling, additional academic guidance during the pregnancy-
support, scholarship, etc. provided. This parenthood transition period, and
study intends to know some of the major after delivery.
contributing factors that cause teenage 2) It will provide necessary
pregnancy in The Gambia. It hypothesis information to the researchers
that they do so as they are longing to be and academicians regarding the
famous, and want to show that they have cause, coping and adaptation
careers as mothers. Moreover, the study techniques by the teenage
needs to examine the problems the mothers.
teenagers encounter after becoming 3) It will help organizations
mothers. It presupposes that teen (Governmental and non-
mothers are much lonely in their caring governmental) dealing with the

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teenage pregnancy in their
planning and programming. Definition of the key concepts
Teenage: is any girl between the age
Objective of the study period 13 and 19 years old.
The objectives of the study were to: Teenage pregnancy: is a pregnancy of a
1. Know the major causes of girl child who is/was of age between 13
teenage pregnancy and and 19 years old when she conceived
childbearing despite the fact that pregnancy?
contraceptive is widely available Teenage childbearing: is a situation
and family life education being whereby a girl child between 13 and 19
taught in all schools. years old give birth to a child?
2. Examine the problems the Coping: the efforts meant to manage
teenagers encounter after (i.e. master, reduce, minimize, etc.)
becoming mothers. environmental and internal demands and
3. Examine the way the teen conflicts, which strain or exceed a
mothers cope and adapt to the person’s resources.
situation of becoming mothers. Adaptation: adaptation refers to the
Research questions active efforts the teenage mothers
The study was guided by the following applied over their life span to enable
research questions: them survive, develop, and achieve
1. What are the causes of teenage successes in relationship to childbearing
pregnancy and childbearing in and rearing.
The Gambia?
2. What problems do pregnant Literature review
teenagers face after becoming In examining the issue of teenage
mothers? pregnancy and childbearing; and the
3. How do the teenage mothers coping and adaptation to the situation,
cope with the situation of this chapter would have been divided
becoming mothers in such early into two parts. The first part deals with
ages? the theoretical postulation on teenage

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pregnancy and childbearing (i.e. Rickel, 1989; Freeman, 1993; & Coley&
psychological, social learning, Chase-Lansdale, 1998) are of the
ecological, psychosocial, biological, conviction that many antecedents of
sociological theories, etc.). While the teenage pregnancy and childbearing are
second part concentrates on the causes of related to family and community socio-
teenage pregnancy and childbearing, economic characteristics, psychological
problems facing the teenage mothers; factors, as well as individual sexual
and the support for coping and adapting decisions.
to the situation of teen motherhood.
Therefore, because time and limited Family and community socio-
resources, in brief, I concentrated on the economic characteristics
second part and examined causes, A study by Allan Guttmacher Institute,
problems, coping and adaptation (1994) claimed that, although adolescent
strategies in teen pregnancy and pregnancy occurs in all segment of
childbearing. society, it is much more prevalent
among adolescent living in poverty.
Causes of teenage pregnancy and Based on the culture of poverty
childbearing perspective Brewster et al 1993 (as
Why do some teenagers choose to have quoted by Coley et al) asserts those
babies? This is a question many experts female adolescents who are raised in
had been asking and still keep on asking. poverty, by single parents and by parents
Perhaps it is a sense of worthlessness with low educational attainment are
and despair or feelings of lack of prone to teenage parenthood. Studies
opportunity that lead many teens to that compare sexually active young
motherhood (Rickel, op cit). Luker, women who avoid pregnancies or who
(1996) indicates that some teenagers get become pregnant and choose abortion, to
pregnancy for exactly similar reasons as those who become pregnant and choose
those held by older women. They are to have babies revealed that the latter are
married and want children. Some more likely to come from economically
scholars discussed in this chapter (e.g. disadvantaged families. By surveying

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the teen mothers in Peru, Sijuwade, Psychological factor
(1999) holds that the majority of teen Nitz (op cit) states that some social
mothers come from a mixture of urban researchers have suggested an emotional
and semi urban areas and describes their deprivation model whereby adolescents
home lives as tranquil, humble and poor. seek emotional closeness by having a
The major change these teen mothers baby. Some girls see pregnancy as a
face as Sijuwade (ibid) observes is the means of finding a purpose in life,
realization that they are not able to having someone to love, or
continue studying, that the future is strengthening the relationship with their
uncertain and that they are solely sexual partners (Unger et al 2000).
responsible for their children’s It is also speculated that teenagers with a
wellbeing. Family dysfunction is also history of deprivation or neglect may
addressed by some studies as the view mothering as a means of getting
underlying factors that predict teenage their nurturing and security needs met.
childbearing. A study by Allan In some cases having a baby may be a
Guttmacher (op cit) revealed that teens legitimate attempt to grow up, and in
with supportive family relationships, some cases, teenagers view having a
who live with both parents, and who baby as the only route of economic
have better educated parents are less independence. To some, they think early
likely to initiate sex at a young age. On parenting can strengthen their identities
the other hand, youth from families with their mothers, and establishing their
which do not monitor their children, own feminine role and identity (Rickel,
which cannot or do not communicate op cit). Rickel posits that adolescence
with their youth, which do not provide marks a period of great cognitive
strong goals for the future, and which advances for the individual. Referring to
failed to help teens deal with media and the Piaget’ final stage of cognitive
peer influences are much more likely to development, Rickel asserts the
become parents as adolescents. individual’s ability to foresee long term
consequences of one’s behaviour and to
plan for the future. Rickel sees such

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issues to bear directly on teenage sexual have no sexual intercourse, use or not
behaviour and pregnancy. Freeman (op use effective contraception. When she
cit) in the Penny study examined the became pregnant, it is her decision
future orientation as one of the whether to abort or not, and once she has
psychological factors of early a child it is her choice to raise the child
childbearing. She observes that or put the child for adoption (Coley &
teenagers commonly have difficulty in Chase-Lansdale, op cit). Kaiser Family
making decisions about abstract Foundation 1999 survey found that 46%
situations. To most of them, pregnancy of the respondents in the survey said that
and parenthood are mere abstractions. teenagers do not have birth control with
Even those who become pregnant may them when they want to have sex. Some
have no specific plans related to teenagers get pregnant, because they use
childbearing issues. They may be no contraception, use relatively
intelligent but lack the reasoning ability ineffective methods, or use methods
to analyse and process abstract, future inadequately (Luker, op cit). Moreover,
oriented issues realistically. Freeman’s Luker narrates that other teenagers get
study indicates that the never pregnant pregnant during transitions (i.e. when
and abortion groups were more likely to they stop using a certain contraceptive
recognize that postponing motherhood method). Coley & Chase-Lansdale,
was important for achieving other (ibid) hold that, adolescents tend to use
educational and career goals. contraception sporadically and
ineffectively. However this is not to
Individual sexuality decisions and imply that teenagers are trying to
contraceptive uses become pregnant. The disparity between
Individual choices and actions play a not wanting to become pregnant and not
role in teenage pregnancy and effectively using contraception has
childbearing. Some researchers see the multiple roots, including lack of
road to parenthood as one that includes knowledge about reproduction and
numerous decision making steps. A contraception, limited access to family
teenager must have a choice to have or planning and health services, and

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inadequate ability to foresee and to be Educational attainment
prepared for protected sexual activity. Furstenberg, (1997) pointed out that in
When answering the question, “What comparison with older women; teenage
keeps teenagers from using birth mothers have been described as lacking
control?” Kimmel &Weiner 1985 narrate both the experience and the personal
that, ignorance, negative attitudes about resources necessary to provide a
contraception, lack of awareness of supportive environment for child
pregnancy risks; lower moral reasoning development. Phoenix 1991(as quoted
and general lack of knowledge about sex by Timms, op cit) pointed out that much
and birth control are some of the reasons of the evidence for asserting that teenage
that adolescents do not use protection. mothers are too young to function
Adolescents’ views of invulnerability adequately as mothers is circumstantial
and egocentrism, leading to beliefs that and the assertion is frequently based on a
pregnancy could never happen to them confusion of potential causal factors. She
and thus led them to ineffective concluded that (from her study of young
preventive practices. women who became mothers between
the ages of 16-19 during early 1990 in
Problems in teen parenting Britain), it is not youth itself which gives
Whatever the motivation for teen rise to problems, but also a combination
childbearing, the consequences of teen of other factors such as poor education,
parenting deeply affect both mothers and economic difficulties and lack of
children, and ultimately society as a supportive relationships. In this regard
whole. Many scholars have concluded babies born to teenagers are at risk for
that, early childbearing may pose special neglect and abuse because the young
risks for children because teenage mothers are uncertain about their roles
parents are less competent care givers, and may be frustrated by the constant
possess fewer material resources, offer a demands of care taking. Many teenage
less stable family environment, or girls are forced to drop out of school to
experience more competing demands on have their babies. In this way, pregnant
their time, (Timms, 1996). teens lose the opportunity to learn skills

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necessary for employment and self- Psychological effects
survival as adults. Adopting the same The transition to parenting can be
perspective Freeman (op cit) pointed out stressful time for some parents if not all
that teenage mothers are more likely parents regardless of age and
than their non-pregnant peers to drop out background. For teen mothers, this stress
of school, to be unemployed or may be compounded by their typically
sporadically employed, and to obtain underprivileged and impoverished
welfare support. Until recently, many backgrounds as well as by addition of
studies on adolescent mothers concluded other normative changes that occur
that early parenthood had a strong during adolescence, such as identity
negative effect on their education formation and the renegotiation of
attainment, such that young mothers are relationships with one’s family of origin
unlikely to continue their education after (Coley & Chase-Lansdale, op cit). There
childbirth and thus obtain lower levels of are other potential areas of stress for new
education than their peers who delayed mothers. The teenager may find herself
childbirths (Moore& Waite. 1997). cut off from peers; conflicts may arise
However, such studies indicate a gap with their parents over care of the infant;
because recently there are more there may be strain between the mother
progressive school policies on accepting and the child’s father and their
pregnant students. Despite the respective families; and the parenting
progressing of accepting teen pregnant adolescent may be prone to loneliness
students in schools, and the decrease of and depression (Rickel, op cit). Rickel,
school drop-out rate for teenage parents also observed that, having a baby may
in many countries, Freeman, (op cit) sees cause a teenage mother to find herself
that teenagers who become parents lonely and isolated particularly after her
before the adult age still are less likely to baby’s birth, since she is no longer free
enjoy many opportunities and potential to indulge in many leisure activities; she
earnings. no longer has much in common with her
peers; and she has to cut off from school
world even if for a short period before

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re-joining it. This can result to loneliness and interpersonal processes. A life
and depression that may negatively transition might include changes that
affect that fundamental mother-child occur developmentally, as in adolescent
relationship. Coley & Chase-Lansdale, pregnancy, and the status change from
(op cit) revealed that a number of student to motherhood, from the role of
psychological tasks of adolescence may good student, daughter and sister to the
be impeded by early parenthood. During role of breadwinner and caretaker.
the adolescent years teenagers face the According to Germain and Gitterman,
challenges of solidifying their sense of these life transitions, as well as all life
identity and developing autonomy and transitions, require changes in self-
independence from parents. Parenthood image, in the way of looking at the
with its continual demands and world, in the processing of information
responsibilities can leave little time for derived from cognition, in perceptions
exploration and appropriate and feelings, in patterns of relating to
individuation in areas of normative teen others, in the way environmental
concern such as peer relations, dating, resources are used and in the goals one
schooling, and career choices. Young has established. Unresponsive
mothers may react to such conflicting environments as seen by Germain and
demands with psychological distress, Gitterman can be a source of stress. If
perhaps expressed through depressive the organisations designed to meet
symptoms. To teenage mothers stress adaptive needs (schools, hospitals, and
appear to be the condition that is welfare organisations) may impose
generated by discrepancies between unresponsive policies and procedures in
needs and capacities on one hand and helping the teen mothers, then the
environmental qualities on the other. organisations can impose stress to the
Germain and Gitterman, (1990) as teen mothers.
quoted by Martin, (1995) states that the
stress the teenagers feel, arises in three Economic outcome
interrelated areas of living: life Moore et al, (1993) observed that, in
transition, environmental negotiations, large part because of low educational

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attainment and low marital stability, Positive outcome
coupled with the poverty endemic to Teenage pregnancy and childbearing
young parenthood, teenage mothers have may make a teen mother feel that she
lower incomes and are more likely to be can make a change in her life. In some
on welfare than their peers who delay cases it leads to marriage or stable
childbirth. Teenage mothers are less relationship between the partners; in
likely to find stable and remunerative others it enhances the teenage mother’s
employment than are women who delay self-esteem since it enables her to do
childbearing. Accordingly they are more something productive, something
likely to receive public assistance at the nurturing and socially responsible
entry to parenthood, to become reliant (Luker, op cit).
on public assistance, and to end up in
poverty. This is due to the low education Coping and adapting with teen
most of them attained (Furstenberg, op motherhood
cit). With education cut short teen Education for coping and adaptation
mothers may lack job skills and so Being a teenage parent is one of the most
making it hard for her to find a job and difficult jobs in the world. Most teens
keep it (Mastrocola M, in are not even capable of caring for
htpp://www.personal.psu.edu). Teen themselves. Teenage mothers are often
mothers can also face problem of getting affected by interpersonal conflicts, and
financial contributions from their male feelings of loneliness and depression,
partners. Many young fathers are rarely particularly in the months following the
strong sources of financial support for baby’s birth. However, Rickel, (op cit)
teen mothers and their children. suggested that, increased knowledge
Although most start out with desire to coupled with adequate emotional
provide for their children, their child resources may promote adaptive
support contributions are extremely low interaction patterns and enabled teen
(Coley & Chase-Lansdale, op cit). mothers to be more effective parents.

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Rickel sees adolescents, simply by virtue information seeking, need identification,
of their age, as having little education, and use of available community
and further more they have limited resources.
experiences about life. They are less
accustomed to seek out resources for Grandmothers’ involvement
themselves than older mothers, and even Most teenagers have very inaccurate or
when presented with information they no ideas of child development, and they
may require help in applying it. Thus have an overall tendency to expect
they tend to rely on their families children’s ability to develop much
particularly their mothers and earlier than is actually the case. Thus
grandmothers, for information on child given advices and support in child
development and child care techniques. development can help them be good
In some cases, where older sister or peer mothers. Grandmothers (mothers of the
has children, a teenage mother can seek teen mothers) can do this effectively. A
information from them. In relationship to number of recent studies have carefully
the above evidences Rickel argued that, considered the roles the grandmothers’
if we seek to expand the knowledge base play in co-parenting, housing and
of young mothers it will not be sufficient supporting young mothers and children.
simply to rely on school personnel or to Coley & Chase-Lansdale, (op cit)
make printed material available so that determined a pattern of shared rearing in
teenage mothers can consult them. She which grandmothers aided their
suggested that, information will be better daughters and modelled appropriate
transmitted, and more likely absorbed parenting behaviours as the most
and used, if it comes individually from a appropriate for providing young mothers
person who also maintains social contact with both the support and the autonomy
with a teenage mother. With more they need to effectively assume health,
preference on social contact she sees one of the primary parental
individual contact as one that can be responsibilities.
used to train the teenage mothers in
more effective and sophisticated

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Social support instrumental, informational, and
The number of people (be it family appraisal (Cronenwett, 1983). According
members or peers) offering social to Cronenwett, emotional support is
support to the teenage mothers appears characterised as those acts that provide
to be a major factor in the presence of empathy, caring, love, trust, and
nurturing behaviour. Rickel, (op cit) concern, whereas instrumental support
viewed social support as a factor to referred to access to behaviours that
buffer the effects of stress and to directly help the person in need such as
ameliorate depression. Rickel further aid in kind, money, labour, and time.
suggested that interventions targeted Cronenwett finds the provision of
toward helping teenage mothers information, advice and directives that
establish and maintain social support can be used in coping with personal and
contacts may be beneficial in terms of environmental problems as the
improving the mothers’ ability to care informational support, and appraisal
for their children. Rickel, (ibid) thus support as the transmission of
observed that, the teenage mother’s information relevant to self-evaluation
primary source of social support usually such as can be derived from affirmation,
is her family. In most cases the girl and feedback, and social comparison
her baby live with her parents and are at opportunities.
least partially supported by them even
financially until she become financially Research methodology
able to move out. In some instances a Research design
young mother may live alone or with the When talking about research
child’s father, but the maternal methodology, not only research methods
grandmother remains an important or techniques are to be considered, but
source of material aid, advice, also as Yin (1996) suggests, the logical
information, support, and sometimes free sequence that connects the empirical
child day care. Social support can be data to a study’s initial research
defined through four categories of questions and ultimately, to its
support namely the emotional, conclusions. The main purpose of the

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design is to help to avoid the situation in distresses them. More importantly it
which the evidence does not address the strives to understand the meanings of
initial research questions (Yin, ibid.). people’s words and behaviours.
This study will be of the qualitative
design. Area of the study
This study was conducted in Serekunda
Qualitative design in the Kanifing Municpality. Serekunda
The interest was the causes of their has well over 250,000 inhabitants and is
choice of having babies, problems they a mixture of all the tribes found in the
face after delivery and how they cope country with many immigrants from
and adapt to the situation of becoming different parts of the globe. It is the
mothers in early ages. From twenty biggest commercial centre in The
years work experience as a social worker Gambia.
and some anecdotal evident, most
teenage mothers face a lot of problems Sample and sampling techniques
including stigmatization, family In The Gambia like most Muslim
isolation, paternal disputes, inadequate societies, matters pertaining to unwanted
or lack of experience and personal pregnancies and children born of
resources necessary to provide a marriage are kept highly confidential
supportive environment not only for and close to the chest of all family
their babies' overall development, but members and even communities for the
also for their own. Due to this fear of social stigmatization, isolation,
experience the choice was made to use a family breakdown, tarnishing family
qualitative approach in exploring how names, just to mention few. Therefore,
the teenage mothers in The Gambia deal getting a person to talk to about teenage
with the situation of becoming mothers pregnancy experience is extremely
in their early ages. As Tutty et al (1996) difficult particularly when it is known or
views, qualitative research tries to suspected that one is conducting a
understand how people live, how they research. The sample consisted of ten
talk and behave, and what captivates and teenage mothers, and five professionals

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whom they meet with occasionally mothers agreed to participate and
particularly when they need some interviewed.
professional support either for
themselves or the babies. Due to the Methods of data collection
nature of the study, expenses involve, In spite of limited resources, to ensure
and time constraints it was difficult to the validity and reliability it was found
cover more than this population. Thus as that one method of data collection was to
Shipman (1992) suggests, sampling is be ineffective in obtaining detailed
one of the best systematic techniques of information and as such more than one
choosing a group of individuals, that is method were used. Therefore the study
small in number and enough to be true automatically confined itself to the use
representative of the population from of interview and questionnaires.
which it is selected. Therefore the most Although they were time consuming, yet
basic sampling technique adopted in this they yielded enough, valid, and practical
study was snowball sampling. information. These questionnaires were
made of simple closed and open-ended
Snowball sampling questions to ensure that accurate answers
This technique as Gilbert (1993) argues were given and that misunderstandings
is often used to obtain a sample when and ambiguity were avoided.
there is no adequate list, which could be
used as a sampling frame. It is a method Method of data presentation
for obtaining samples of numerically This study presented and analysed the
small groups. Based on this, social data through the narrative accounts. This
worker, health care workers, and even constitutes the stories people tell about
volunteers were requested to assist. their own experiences (Sussman &
These professionals made some contacts Gilgun, 1996). As Sussman and Gilgun
with the teenage mothers or women who suggested, this method invites a reader
became mothers while they were to reflect on the meanings of the stories
teenagers. Through this technique ten for himself, with the frequent result of
greater personal understanding and

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motivation for action, drawing from the mothers, through their narrations about
reader answers that best meet his unique their experiences, and the answers from
situation. Narrative accounts used relied the professionals who worked with them,
on the theoretical propositions as Yin, along with various meanings scholars
(op cit) discusses that, theoretical attached to those narratives. However, in
propositions reflect a set of research order to ensure anonymity of the
questions, review of the literature, and respondents their names are not
new insights. mentioned.
Empirical findings and analysis Teen Pregnancy and contraceptive

Respondents´ characteristics uses
Nearly all the teenage mothers in this Some studies argued that some young
study were between 13 and 18 when persons engaged in early intercourse
they first became pregnant and decided without awareness of the risks of
to raise babies. Some of them dropped unprotected sexual activity. Adopting
out of school for a while when they the same argument teenage mothers in
became pregnant, but some had already this study were asked, “Before you
completed primary school. During the became pregnant, how often were you
study few of them particularly, those using contraceptive methods?” 6 out of
who are already grown up, were working 10 said that they used contraceptive
and depend on themselves and support methods occasionally, while 2 of them
provided by the father of their children, said that they used them often, and 2
but others were still depending on their said that they didn’t use at all. No
family members since they were either respondent reported to have been always
still students or were unemployed. using contraceptive methods. Most of
the respondents who used contraceptive
Presentation and analysis of the methods occasionally and often, said that
findings they used condoms and pills. Some of
This chapter present and analyse the those who used pills reported that they
findings gathered from the teenage often missed taking the pills, and some

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said that when pregnancy occurred they she could keep her boyfriend was to
had stopped taking pills and they were agree having sex with him although it
on transition to seek another method. was unsafe sex. “When I met him, I felt
One respondent reported; “when I met that I had a popular guy and
my boyfriend I had stopped taking pills economically well off one. He used to
because when I took pills my period was take me out in his nice Mercedes Benz
long and I experienced much bleeding. I car. I was really happy. Although I
had a plan to go to the Youth counselling stopped to use contraception (pills) he
centre or health centre to consult a convinced me to have sex before starting
midwife on my problem”. Those who taking pills or another method again. He
used condoms occasionally or often said told me nothing like getting pregnant
that it happened sometimes that they had could happen. I was so young, and crazy
sexual intercourse without using in love that I couldn’t think much on the
condoms, but they didn’t get pregnant. danger of getting pregnant. Thus I
Thus they thought that even if they decided to have unprotected sex just to
would practice unprotected sex, keep him and not let him go to another
pregnancy could not happen to them. girl.” Besides the teenagers’
Another respondent narrated, “I hopelessness, and weak knowledge and
occasionally used condoms when I had use of contraceptive methods, parents
sex with my boyfriend. Sometimes we also have been found to be among the
forgot to buy condoms and we practised correlated factors of teenage pregnancy.
sex without using it. However I couldn’t Some of the respondents viewed that
get pregnant. This made me think that most of the parents think that their
pregnancy could not happen to me at teenagers do not practice sex at all since
that time.” Some girls practice unsafe they are with the strong conviction that
sex because their boyfriends pressurized they are too young and sometimes they
them and the girls think that they can are being taught about the impacts of sex
lose the boys if they do not have sex at young age. One of the respondents
with them. One respondent expressed lamented. “I received sex education in
her belief that the only way she thought school during FLE (Family Life

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Education), but I think when I was particularly my mother down and my
taught I was too young and I had not brother who has been paying school fee
thought of practising sex. My parents and giving me lunch and transport fares.
didn’t talk anything about sex but mostly My mother always tell me go to school,
about religion and good manners do something like home work and
particularly when in the public, with private studies to practice what learned,
elders, married, etc. Remember not only go to “Dara”(i.e. reading The Holy
in my house is discussions on sex Quran in neighbourhood with other
prohibited but is like it is all over the children) or even have a walk to a
homes. It is taboos in the country. This nearby school mate and she always
made me be hopeless in using thought I was not doing sex although she
contraceptive methods and have a suspected that I had a boyfriend which I
feeling that pregnant couldn’t happen to categorically denied in a private meeting
me” with her and my authoritative father. I
couldn’t talk to her about my pregnancy
Teenagers’ reaction on pregnancy because it would possibly mark the end
When most of the teenagers in this study of her happy marriage and my being
found that they were pregnant they disowned by the whole family as had
couldn’t immediately find easy answers. happened to many girls in town. It is
Basically two options awaited them: something that I never planned for
illegal abortion or carrying the baby to heavily choke with emotions.” Another
term. Robertson (1981), (as quoted by respondent, whose parents were
Rickel op cit) believes, this constitute a divorced, was also shocked when the
time of “acute psychological stress” for pregnancy test appeared to be positive.
the pregnant teenager regardless of the “When I noticed that I was pregnant I
outcome she considers. The narrations of was scared, worried, and upset. I was
one respondent assert this: “I was scared to tell my father because I was
ashamed and I felt like I let my entire wondering what he would gona think
community, extended family, friends and how he would react to me. When he
immediate family members, parents phoned at home I was telling my mother

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to tell him that I was not at home.” The their pregnancies and didn’t want to
below captioned respondent who was have abortions even if some of them
living with her divorced mother were convinced by their mothers or
expressed similar feelings. “I was boyfriends to undergo abortion. The
surprised and I guess I was equally narrative below indicate what made
really scared. I don’t know nodding her some of the teenage in The Gambia
head. I knew my mother would be really choose to have babies.
disappointed in me. Truly, I was scared
to tell her for I could be kicked away or Teenagers against abortion
isolated for months if not for years”. “When I just found that I was pregnant,
However, not all teenage girls were my mother set a master plan that she
shocked by their unplanned pregnancies. could sent me for abortion. I didn’t want
The narrative of one respondent below to do abortion since I was a religious
depicts this. “When I found I was believer (Muslim), and felt so sinful to
pregnant I was glad. I knew that one day do abortion. I believed that baby is a gift
I could be pregnant because I used from God. Although my boyfriend also
contraceptive methods (condoms) didn’t support my choice I remained
occasionally.” with my stand,” said one respondent.
Another respondent also found abortion
Causes of teen childbearing as inhuman. “When I went with my
To determine the teenagers’ attitudes boyfriend for the pregnancy testing, and
towards their pregnancies and found that I was pregnant I felt that I had
childbearing the study evaluated if they something in my stomach, something
planned to have babies. 9 out of 10 that was part of me. Therefore when the
respondents didn’t want pregnancies and midwife asked me what I could do with
also didn’t plan to have babies during my pregnancy I answered her that I will
the teen age. Although they didn’t plan keep like it any woman and raise a
to be pregnant and raise babies, and were baby.” One of the respondents who had
shocked when they found that they were unsafe sex expecting to keep her
pregnant, still they were positive about boyfriend was not very much shocked

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when she noticed that she was pregnant. “I wanted to prove to my mother that I
However her expectations from her could be a good mother.” “I used to take
boyfriend did not materialize since he care of my young brother, so when I
told her to do abortion. Her mother also became pregnant I wanted to show that I
advised her the same, but she chose to could also provide good care to my
have a baby. Below is her narrative. “He baby.” The narrations concur with
told me to do abortion, but I was strong Rickel, (op cit) speculation that, in some
and told him I have to keep the cases having a baby may be a legitimate
pregnancy and raise a baby. He attempt to grow up.
overreacted to me and told me that we
had to break our relationship. When I Influence from the parents (mother)
told my mother she also told me to go One respondent who was living with her
for abortion because she was not ready divorced mother had a sister and a young
to be a grandmother during that time. brother. Two months before she became
She became mad and told me to find my pregnant her young brother died. When
own apartment and keep my pregnancy she told her mother about her
alone. Regardless of all the negative unconfirmed pregnancy, her mother
responses I received both from my cried and was so surprised, and decided
boyfriend and my mother I stood on my to take her for the pregnancy testing.
decision because I felt I had something When the test appeared to be positive
alive in my stomach and I must deliver it her mother encouraged her to keep the
with head down.” pregnancy by reminding them of her lost
young brother. Another respondent also
Longing to be mothers kept her pregnancy due to the influence
For some teenagers choosing to have of her mother. “My mother discouraged
babies could be an assertion of their own me about the idea of abortion and
need to be mothers and a way of gaining promised to support me with the baby
attention as shared by some. “I wanted to when it comes to the caring
be a good mother.” responsibilities.”

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Lack of vision for the future direction think I became pregnant and choose to
of life have a baby because I didn’t have many
Some teenage girls become parents goals set for myself. I had completed
either because they cannot envisage secondary school but with low grades.
another positive future direction for their Therefore I thought I could not get good
lives, or because they lack concrete job during that time, and also couldn’t
educational or employment goals and go neither to the high schools nor
opportunities that would convince them vocational training institutes. When I
to delay parenthood. One respondent became pregnant I thought to have a
was in such a dilemma as her narrative baby is nothing, but I think I didn’t
below has revealed. “I was 17 years really look at it seriously. If I had
when I had my first baby. I decided to probably settled down and set some
raise a baby because I found it as the goals/vision for myself maybe I would
only way to keep me busy. I didn’t use have handled things differently.” The
to go out for different social activities, above narration encompasses Parson’s
but I liked to stay home. Sometimes I (1989) concept of locus of internality, as
became bored and I was thinking that if I quoted by Martin (op cit). The concept
could have a baby I could be busy with deals with an individual’s perception of
something to do. I told my boyfriend having an impact on her environment.
who was 25 years and we together Through her explanation the above
agreed to have a baby.” The above respondent perceived herself as unable
respondent and her boyfriend were in to influence her environment because
friendship for six years before they she lacked vision for her future direction
decided to have a baby. Today they are of life.
already married and have four children.
Another respondent also became Professionals’ response on the causes
pregnant when she was 18 years, few of teenage childbearing
months after she graduated from high The question “Why some of the teenage
school. Her narration as what lead to her girls choose to have babies?” was also
choice of having a baby is as below. “I asked to the professionals. 3 out of 5

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respondents viewed lack of vision for but he couldn’t stay a full day in my
future direction of life; some teenagers home since he scared to be late back to
are against abortion, and longing to be his parents' home. He was so confused
mothers. However, 2 of the 3 and his parents were so surprised and
respondents viewed lack of vision for questioned him about his changed
future direction of life, and longing to be attitude, but he couldn’t tell them the
mothers to be the key contributing truth. This made him to be much stressed
factors. The findings above correspond to the point of seeking a psychiatrist for
with what the teenage mothers narrated counselling. All these made me feel so
on the causes of teenage childbearing. lonely especially when the baby was
asleep. I had no one to talk with.”
Problems encountered by teenage “When my friends planned to go out
mothers during the weekends or in the evenings I
As it has been discussed in chapter two couldn’t go with them because my baby
the consequences of teen childbearing was too small and I had to breast feed
deeply affected both the mothers and the him at home. I couldn’t take him outside
children, and the society as a whole. The in the open air and leave alone the
narratives below describe some of the burning sun. I missed my friends’
difficulties the teen mothers experienced company and felt to be so lonely.” Apart
as they attempted to accomplish the from loneliness, some respondents
motherhood responsibilities. Loneliness, reported that they had some endless
tiresome caring responsibilities, financial difficulties as commented by
depression and stress due to lack of one of them. “I was 16 years when I got
supportive relationships, and financial my baby, and I was still under my
difficulties, etc. “I moved to my own parents care. I and the baby’s father were
apartment when I was about to deliver. all students and as such had no income.
My boyfriend who was 19 years was After having the baby I received child
living with his parents and was still support from a philanthropic
scared to tell his parents about my organisation, but I found the money to
pregnancy. He was willing to help me, be not enough for the baby’s needs.

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During that time my mother was no respondent explained how tough the
longer working since she was sick. Thus caring responsibilities were. “I thought
my mother was also not receiving any that taking care of a baby was a simple
income and depended on friends, stuff. However when I got my first baby
sympathizers and the extended family I found it to be very tough especially
system.” The below also portrays with the baby’s crying and sickness. My
loneliness as encountered by a teenage mother helped to provide transport fares
mother. “I used to go regularly on a to the hospitals and even provided
beach walk and even night clubs with money for the purchase of medications,
my friends. After being heavily pregnant but when I returned home I felt the
and having a baby I couldn’t go with responsibilities to be so hard especially
them anymore because I had to stay at when the child is sick and my mum is in
home with my baby. I felt so lonely. her bad days. She does not want to help
Moreover I was too tired with the caring and would even at time asked me out
responsibilities. It is a challenge and because my brothers and sisters do
even a burden to have a child at this age complained for not sleeping well and yet
of my youthful life. I should be reading they have to go to school the next day.
something in the vocational institutes My boyfriend and her sisters did help a
since my grade cannot see me in the lot by taking the child for few hours and
college which I greatly wish and even at times weekend especially when she
prayed for. I have always wanted to be a grew a little older. But this was never
teacher. I love helping children with enough especially when it is night time
their education. Otherwise I could be where the toughest battles are fought.
working in the tourist industry just next Caring for a child is an uphill battle for
to our home pointing west. With this us teenagers because we lack the
baby my life is near empty. I cannot go experiences. Experiences matter in all
anywhere since I don't have anyone to things.” The above respondent who lost
leave him with. You know our her first baby shared how she mourned
community and particularly parents with her lost child. “When she was eleven
illegitimate children.” Another months my baby became seriously ill

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
and died. I was so sad to lose her, needed a lot of attention, and I found
because I loved her so much. My myself waking up at many hours of the
younger brother who was so much night to care for and feed the baby.
attached to her made it even worse. They Certainly I think I missed a lot of my
were all the time together particularly freedom like hanging around with
when I go to the market or washing for friends at school, playing in the streets
the family. She was the only child in the both on way to and back to school,
big compound. All of us are big and sometimes going to the night clubs
busy with our endless daily chores. We during religious and national feasts.”
played with her for fun. They hated her Teenage parenting has some impacts on
at first because she was born out of both teenage mothers and the children as
wedlock and the father was jobless but was related by one respondent with two
gradually they could put all those behind years old child. “I am lonely since I lost
them. We all cried and cried. It was my boy friends. We have no more
treble.” Another respondent who got her anything in common. My mother also
first baby when she was 18 years didn’t accept my decision to have a
experienced difficulties in caring for her boyfriend although am no more student
child, and below is her experience. because she was not only afraid of the
“When I got pregnant it was just the gossiping in the neighbourhood but the
worst thing, but I knew I could keep the act of destroying the hard-earned family
baby easily but though with endless name for she suspected my strong desire
difficulties as far as the experiences of for a man. Leave alone her housing a
my friend is anything to go by. It was bastard as she has all time referred those
tough for I witnessed it because she was children born out of marriage. This had
a good friend and what separated was created a bad relationship with her. The
her getting married though young. As same happen to my boyfriend who didn’t
was suspected it was not as easy as I support my choice of having a baby and
thought. Caring for a child is tough; has always insisted on his using
staying at home was a big part of condoms. I always feel so lonely and
motherhood. My baby like all babies moreover feel so depressed especially

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
when I call my friends who are married child to visit him regularly and even call
away with children and receive the reply him father, but he never contributes as a
that they were tired with their children responsible father.” Moore et al (op cit)
and sometimes in-laws for those living observes that teenage mothers also have
in big families. Sometimes my half- slightly more children, often in quick
sisters would complained being tired succession, than do teenagers who
with my problems and would want to postponed parenthood. In addition to
have their free life.” One respondent those depictions of difficulties in child
expressed her depression as: “I also feel caring the following narration supports
much depressed when my son’s father Moore’s observation. “When I was 19
comes in the night just to have sex with years, one year after having my first
me. I cannot deny him because I want baby I got another baby. Although I
him to be closer to his son. Although he didn’t face difficulties when I had the
does not support me in any way I want first child, but then I found it very
him to be closer to his son. Sometimes I difficult to care for two babies at a
found my son calling “papa, papa”. This time,” said one respondent”. A
makes me be so stressed because I know respondent who had a second baby with
that my son wants to see his father.”A another man had no good relationship
respondent complained about her baby’s with her first baby’s father. He didn’t
father failing to support her and her come to see the baby, and received his
child. “Although he is working, and he financial contribution through the Social
has money he does not support me much welfare as a deduction from his salary.
financially. One of the reasons is that he When she was 22 years she got the third
has another six children with other baby. Unfortunately she lost her first
women and so he has to divide his baby, two months after birth. She got a
income seven times. Therefore I receive second child when she was 17 years and
only D250.00 from his salary through the third baby when she was 22 years.
the social welfare. He never even buys She encountered some difficulties with
his son some clothes or any gift. He now her third baby who was not only
thinks my son as his child. He wants a premature but also mentally retarded.

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Low education status fathers, isolation, eviction and financial
Another problem most of the teenage difficulties. The findings from the
mothers face is the drop out of school. professionals relate to the problems
Among 10 mothers interviewed 6 were narrated by the teenage mothers when
students when they got their first babies. asked the same question.
They had to drop out of school for a
while and take care of the babies. As Positive experience of teenage
Olausson (1999) revealed, teen mothers motherhood
in most cases do not reach high Although most of the teenage mothers in
educational levels as oppose to women this study faced some difficulties, some
who delayed having their first child. of them were so positive about their
Among the teen mothers there was no motherhood irrespective of whether or
one who had a completed high school not it was planned. One respondent,
leave alone tertiary education. Since they whose pregnancy was secretly planned,
are in most cases more poorly in school was happy with her motherhood
they are less likely to have educational responsibilities. Although her parents
goals beyond secondary school. didn’t accept her decision immediately,
However one respondent had a plan to her boyfriend helped her a lot and she
study up to tertiary level, although she enjoyed the baby. Teenage pregnancy
had it tough in caring for her frequently and childbearing had resulted to a
sick child. marriage and strong relationship with
her partner which was the ultimate aim
Professionals’ response on the of her secret plan. Other two
problems facing teenage mothers respondents, whose pregnancies were
In responding to the question “What are unplanned were also positive to the
the problems the teenage mothers face?” motherhood responsibilities and found
all the respondents mentioned loneliness, no difficulties since they were supported
burden of child caring alongside other a lot by their parents, brothers, sisters,
needs, interrupted educational career, and babies’ fathers.
conflict with their parents and/or babies’

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Coping and adapting with teenage Below are some of the stories of two
motherhood teen mothers who claimed to receive
Most of the pregnancies in this study much supports from their families.
were unplanned. Regardless of whether “When my mother warned me to keep
the pregnancies were desired or not most the pregnancy because it was sinful and
of the teenage mothers had less risky to do abortion being her only
preparation to cope and adapt to the daughter though sad and shameful of the
roles of parent. Their ability to cope with situation, I continued to live with her in
the stresses of teen parenthood and their her room in spite of the frequent quarrel
limited knowledge of appropriate child with my father who was not in support
rearing skills affected their of my staying with the family any more
psychological wellbeing. This is because for the fear of influencing his children
stress is assumed to place individuals at with the first wife. My mother helped me
increased risk for depression, anxiety, a lot during my pregnancy and even after
and other emotional problems (Rickel op I delivered a baby girl. She taught me
cit) about baby’s needs and how to care the
baby. I’m really proud of her when I
Family support always look at my kicking baby despite
In the previous discourse, social support being sometimes sad about the shame I
was discussed as a critical factor in brought to my family and the seemingly
helping teenage mothers cope and adapt endless bad blood I created between her
to the situation of teen motherhood. The and my father.” “When I got discharged
discourse revealed the primary source of from the hospital and came back home
social support to be the teen mother’s my parents bought me most of things a
family. When asked how supportive baby would need. My uncle also bought
their families were to them, 6 out of 10 some clothes for the baby. My brother a
respondents said that their families were mobile phone dealer brought me a
very supportive, 3 said that their families simple mobile phone so that I could
were a bit supportive, and one said that communicate with the wife any time I
her family was not supportive at all. needed their help since our parents may

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
not be able to support me and my baby knowledge and problem solving skills
all the time and my boyfriend is still a (Rickel,ibid). Knowledge therefore
student. Truly my family was very appears to be somewhat more important
supportive. However, it is very shameful in determining how, where, and when
to have such a baby in my community, teen mothers seek childrearing help and
she looked down.” The stories above information in order to be good mothers.
indicate how supportive families can be Six mothers said that they were
in terms of providing some important attending group discussions with other
social support that can help teen mothers teen mothers during their pregnancy as
to cope and adapt to motherhood well as after delivery. During the
responsibilities. Such support can pregnancy they were attending the
provide teen mothers the parenting skills maternal health care clinics for health
especially if they are primary givers, the check-ups. The nurses arranged some
situation that most of the teen mothers group discussions for the teenagers to
are faced with. Teen mothers can learn share their experiences on pregnancies.
to interact appropriately with their The same has been arranged when the
babies physically as well as emotionally. teen mothers come with their children in
As Rickel (ibid) argued a teenage mother the child health care clinics and they
with initial support and guidance may be appreciated these services. They viewed
able to cope with the adulthood roles, it good to share experience with their
but without adequate support is likely to peer teen mothers although their parents
flounder. educate them on child development and
childcare techniques when they are in
Knowledge and peer support the mood. To some extents this was
Teen mothers are faced with the task of validated by the responses from the
learning to care for their children at three professionals in reacting to questions
basic levels: physical care; guidance and like: “How do you help teen mothers
discipline; and affection, nurture, and cope and adapt to the situation of
support. Each of these areas is itself becoming mothers in their early ages?”
complex and requires many kinds of Almost all respondents answered that the

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
clinic does organized group discussions do with their children, and generally
with the teen mothers if it is found that desert their pregnant girlfriends. The
there is more than one teen mother who assertion above seems to be negated by
have come with their children for health the revelations of the study. Seven out of
check-up, and felt there is a need for ten of the teenage mothers said that their
them to learn together and even boyfriends were very supportive either
exchange ideas with one another. They emotionally, materially or physically.
learn much about child development and Among these, 4 teen mothers’
caring, and also about themselves. The boyfriends were also teenagers, and 3
findings above correspond with Lindsay were adults. Three mothers answered
et 1989 (quoted in that their boyfriends were not supportive
http://www.personal.psu.edu) that the at all, and among these 2 were teen
support of a group of other young fathers while one was adult.
mothers may bring a significant Unfortunately, the study like many
reduction in the isolation, boredom, and studies didn’t devote much attention to
desperation sometimes experienced by teenage fathers. However, the findings
young parents. are interesting and worth confirmation
by further studies. However, one can
Baby’s father support postulate that teenage fathers tend to be
Teen mothers also were asked on how more sympathetic to their teen
supportive their boyfriends were. This girlfriends who are mothers of their
question was asked because many children than adult boyfriends who are
research especially on the parenting fathers of the children born of their
abilities of teenagers focused more on teenage girlfriends.
mothers, while adolescent fathers have
received scant attention. As Rickel, Community intervention
(ibid) reveals there is a long-standing As revealed teenage mothers are faced
stereotype, both in popular thinking and with many difficulties in meeting their
in social science research that teenage parental obligations and as such their
fathers are irresponsible, want nothing to physical, emotional, and identity

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
development are sometimes affected situation of becoming mothers in their
when they fully assume these roles as early ages. Three out of ten had the
parents. Community intervention with opinion that, teens' parents should open
the aim of helping the teen mothers in up and talk to their teenagers and
coping and adapting to the challenges of support them regarding sexuality
teenage parenthood can have significant decisions and the use of contraceptive
impacts on them and their children. methods as illustrated underneath.
When asked about the support they “When you are a teen you do not
received from the Social welfare understand the real problems in sex and
Department and the state in general, all sexual relationships, so you can’t know
teen mothers interviewed acknowledge a right questions to ask in sex education
receipt of support but were quick to add and even in negotiations with
that additional support is greatly needed. boyfriends. If parents could allow open
Some, particularly those who were still communication with their teens they can
in school were given some counselling, a help them know the right questions
chance to go back to school with even a about sexuality, even those to ask in
scholarship. The boy friends and parents youth counselling centres or in school’s
were equally counselled to help sex education class. This is not only
understand the situations and find better important in dealing with those who are
ways of coping with it while supporting foreigners and have different cultures
the teens and children and yet avoiding from The Gambian culture. Parents are
the occurrence of such things in the very important in letting teens have a
family. good understanding of sexuality.”
“Parents should speak out about sex and
Views about how to support teenage contraceptive methods. If mothers can
mothers in coping and adapt to speak to their teens about sex and
motherhood contraception may be teens can think
Teenage mothers were asked to provide seriously about it and be much more
their opinions about how teen mothers careful in practising sex especially
can be helped to cope and adapt to the unsafe sex.” In the same vein, 5 out of

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
10 claimed that parents and baby’s father decided to turn their backs on them for
should support a teenage mother in different reasons including the dashing
taking care of the babies. Parents should of the hopes of the family. In the group
help their girl child to understand the discussions held in the child health care
difficulties in not only having a baby but clinics, one respondent had the opinion
also how to take care of it as lamented that the community should establish a
below. “Mothers should support the teen centre where teenage mothers can meet
in the transition of becoming mothers and exchange ideas and encourage one
and also in motherhood responsibilities. another. She viewed it as something that
They should encourage the teen mothers can help to release stress, depression,
and make them believe in themselves and loneliness among the teenage
and be strong. They have to support the mothers. The findings revealed that
teen mothers in coping with the situation commitment and action by communities,
of becoming mothers because some of families and babies’ fathers are
the teenagers get pregnancies after being fundamental in supporting teenage
raped. To blame, reject, isolate a teen mothers in coping with and adapting to
mother helps nothing rather increasing motherhood responsibilities.
stress and depression”. “Parents should
Discussion and conclusion
support the teen mothers to take new
Discussion
responsibilities. Moreover baby’s father
Although the findings from this study
should support the choice of a teen in
are not representative for all
raising a baby, and assist her in the
childbearing teenagers across The
caring responsibilities and even
Gambia, they illustrate relationships
financially.” Another teen mother solicit
between young mothers’ childbearing
Social welfare and the state in general to
decision, problems, and coping and
continue supporting the teenage mothers
adaptation strategies that are likely to be
financially as well as in their education
applicable for a broad group in Gambian
because some of them become lonely
teenage mothers.
mothers with no one to support
particularly when their family has

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Causes of teenage pregnancy and and even if it is never in detail and
childbearing straightforward for their level of
Sex education and contraceptive uses understanding. Sometimes it is like
Evidences points out that some of the stories. This concurred with the findings
participants have some basic knowledge in (McNeely et. al., 2002; O’Sullivan,
about sex education and have access to Meyer-Bahlburg & Watkins 2001).
some of the contraceptives. “Teenagers obtain information on sexual
Unfortunately, having access to behaviour from various sources but often
contraceptive services does not ensure prefer parents as the primary educator”,
their effective use. The study findings (Handelsman, 1987). Furthermore,
indicated that some teenagers become findings suggest that some parents think
pregnant due to many factors including that sex the educationteenagers received
their failure to use contraceptive from school is enough. However, as
methods consistently when having Warren, (1995) distinguishes between
sexual intercourse. The findings concurs sex education and sex communication. It
with (Jewkes and Morrell, 2009; Panday is noted that education in general is
et al., 2009; Chigona and Chetty, 2007; unidirectional, involving the provision of
Bearinger, 2007; Wikipedia the free information in a top-down manner; from
encyclopaedia, 2008) where incorrect expert to novice, whereas
use of condoms, inaccurate and communication is bi-directional,
inconsistent use of contraceptives, involving two partners in mutual
contraceptives failure, etc. was dialogue with the viewpoint of both
highlighted as some of the causes of being valued. However, Rosenthal et al,
teenage pregnancy. The study also (1999) views that, parents engage in
revealed that some of the teenagers do limited communication with their
not have the opportunity to communicate teenagers due to different factors. One
with their parents about sexuality and among those is the difficulty many
contraceptive methods. Some of the teen parents have in dealing with sexual
mothers blamed their parents for not topics even if they know that it is their
talking to them about sexuality issues duty to do so. Parents feel to be

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
embarrassed, sometimes they lack an time reporting that they were happy to
opportune time, adequate knowledge, or have a baby. This to some extents can be
even perceive their children as associated with the support they must
unreceptive when it comes to discussing have enjoyed either from the parents or
sensitive matters of this nature. Although boyfriends whom they initially thought
sex education is provided in school, the could be very aggressive with them
findings revealed that it is not quite concurring with (Preston-Whyte et al.
effective to some of the teens. Some 1991) and Freeman (op cit) that, the
claimed that sex education is good, but it timing of a pregnancy may be
should be well treated in high school “unwanted”, but the child born may
where many teens start to explore become described as “wanted.” Some
intimate relationship which can result to teenage girls consciously wanted to
sexual intercourse. Fundamentally, there become pregnant and raise babies and as
is a need for in depth lessons to both such seeing pregnancy as a vehicle of
raise awareness on sexuality issues and getting a husband, mean of sustenance,
how teenagers can make inform achieving adulthood or finding
decisions prevent themselves not only something to keep them busy. The
from pregnancy but also those sexually finding is in agreement with (Clifford &
transmitted infections, AIDS inclusive as Brykczynski, 1999; Oxley & Weekes,
supported by (Klein (2005). 1997; Stevens, 1994; Arenson’s, 1994;
Williams and Vines, 1999).
Planned and unplanned teenage
pregnancies Teenage childbearing
As can be noted, majority of the As for the reasons of keeping pregnancy
pregnancies in this study were and the baby the study found that some
unwanted/unplanned pregnancies. of the teenagers wanted to be mothers
However, the findings have shown an (i.e. wanted motherhood viewing
interesting revelation in the sense that childbearing positively as a way of
some teenagers at one time indicated that setting a course for their lives plus a way
they didn’t want a baby, but at the same to gain maturity and stability). This

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
concurs with (Mackey & Tiller, 1998, p. findings has some negative outcomes
413; SmithBattle and Leonard, 1995). like eviction, loneliness, rejection, tough
Most pregnant and childbearing parenthood and its continual demands
adolescent females believed that and responsibilities, financial
pregnancy caused them to become more difficulties, and lack or inadequate
independent and elevated them to adult supportive relationships, low
status, (Ivey, 1999; Oxley & Weekes, educational achievements, accompanied
1997; Stevens, 1994). It is noted that with less stable employment and
there are some teenagers who are against repeated pregnancies in quick
abortion either due to their religious succession. This finding is supported by
background or moral feelings about Visser and Roux (1996) it leads to
humanity in the sense that abortion is rejection by parents and chasing out
against the right of someone to exist. their teenage daughters out of the house.
Furthermore, some teenagers choose to Melissa (2012) teenage pregnancy
be mothers because either they had no results to incomplete education,
life plans, strong academic grades or unemployment and other numerous
career plans conforming with Freeman emotional traumas. Beside
(ibid) who revealed that some psychological physical risks cannot be
psychological studies concluded that ignored. Kirby (2001) and Mpetshwa
teen pregnancy and childbearing is as (2000) revealed similar findings like
result of lack of the ability to plan ahead teenage parents less likely to complete
or anticipate future events. Mueller, their education, resulting to limited job
Gavin, & Kulkarni (2008) equally opportunities, higher education, long-
revealed that teens are more likely to term poverty, hugely financial
postpone premarital relations, and difficulties, unstable marriages,
thereby pregnancy, when they envision a isolation, rejection, ill treatment from
positive future. family members, etc. resulting to severe
psychological conditions like
Outcome of teenage childbearing depression. Kosha (2001) unveiled that
Teen childbearing as revealed by the nationally, approximately 25% of

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
teenage mothers have a second baby satisfaction are linked to supportive
within one of their first baby, leaving the relationships between parents and
prospect of high school completion pregnant and pregnant/mothering teens.
improbable. Early entry into Despite the negative implications of the
grandmother hood in some instances can teen mothers the findings point out that
create bad relationship between a some of the teen mothers are stable and
teenage mother and her mother with the required support, they can
especially if a grandmother have to adapt, survive, prosper, and create those
provide time, financial, material and opportunities for achievements both for
emotional support to both her daughter themselves and their young ones. It is
and a grandchild, thus leaving little time recognised that family interactions
and energy for her own challenges and contribute a lot in helping teen mothers
tasks. Although the study has provided in coping and adapting to the situation of
some findings in this regard, it didn’t motherhood as parents can provide
investigate much on it. However, more emotional, instrumental, informational,
work is needed to understand the effects or appraisal support in helping teen
of early and unplanned grandmother- mothers with their motherhood
hood especially those who have just responsibilities as confirmed by Benson,
recovered from parenthood themselves. (2004), “family support leads to positive
outcomes for teenage mothers and
Coping and adapting to motherhood positive maternal well-being; and less
Though the study was more focus on the depression and less risk for child
negative consequences, it also found abusive”. In the same vein, another
some positive effects of teen important issue revealed by the study
motherhood such as teen mother feeling concerns the unique contributions of
comfortable with motherhood peers in the sense that being in the same
responsibilities if reactions from both situation provide a teen mother with the
parents and/or partners are positive opportunity to be engaged in new
concurring with Benson, (2004), activities, to fulfil new and different
increased self-esteem and life needs, and to exhibit and share new

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
coping skills. Though problems conflict for the young mothers.
discussed among close friends may Interestingly and worth noting for
differ fundamentally from the events; further studies that there seem to be
and conflicts discussed with the help of some correlations between teenage
parents particularly when there is bad fathers and eagerness to participate in
parent-teen mother relationship. Thus a child caring as fathers, while adult
teen mother can probably obtain boyfriends to teenage mothers tend to
emotional support and coping assistance shy away their responsibilities,
from friends rather than her parents concurring with Young et al, (1975) that
concurring with Bunting & McAulaey pregnant and parenting teenagers most
(2004) peer social support was frequently cite their mothers, boyfriend,
significantly related to reduction in and peers as major sources of support.
parenting stress, particularly with regard Community support also motivates
to high level emotional support provided teenage mothers in coping and adapting
by this group. Support from the babies’ to the situation of becoming mothers in
fathers is equally found to be very useful their early ages as it provides social
in helping teen mothers cope and adapt capital. Since the state allows the
to the situation of motherhood. Fathers teenage mothers to continue with their
who have much contact with their education, provides them with child care
children, who are responsible in child support, scholarship, allowance from
caring, and who encourage and support their boyfriends, etc. therefore, teenage
teen mothers from transition to mothers are more likely to avoid
parenthood were claimed to assist in becoming poor, or attain low education
releasing teen mothers’ stresses which leading to sporadic employment.
otherwise would have resulted to stress
and depression. Again supported by Conclusion
Bunting & McAulaey (2004) partner Although teenage pregnancy and
support assists to increase self-esteem childbearing rates has been significant
and reduce depression, however, some low in the past decades, The Gambia like
partners may be a source of stress and most African communities is witnessing

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
a sharp unprecedented rise in teenage media. Parents can also use television
pregnancies and even baby dumping the and other medium to talk more openly
most ugly and inhumane side of it. In with teenagers about sex and its
addition to this ugly side the consequences, and the effective
communities are strongly struggling with availability and uses of contraceptive
the economic, social and political methods. However, the greater
challenges, those unintended acceptance of teenage mothers and the
pregnancies bring to society at large. social support they receive from their
Teenagers as revealed do not only need families, peers, boyfriends, and the
information and skills about how to society as a whole play a more important
abstain from unwanted or unhealthy role in enhancing the coping and
sexual activity; they also need to receive adaptation to motherhood. Although the
accurate, balanced, age-appropriate study could not generate all the answers
information about sexuality and sexual needed just like most studies, and
behaviour. They need to hear strong and because the sample was small due to
consistent messages about responsible many factors including financial and
sexual behaviour, including information material resources and above the
about contraception before they become unwillingness of people to participate
sexually active. Whether or not they due to the sensitivity of the issues, it will
choose to have sex, teenagers need to be hard to generalise the findings.
develop skills in communication and Nevertheless, the stated experiences of
sexual decision making so that sex does some of the teenage mothers clearly
not “just happen.” It is evident that much manifest that teenage pregnancy and
relevant information about sexual childbearing is not the less a monolithic
behaviour and its consequences can be problem, but one with different causes
conveyed through sex education classes, and consequences. Apparently, social
families, media houses, and even support appear to be a critical factor in
communities should be strongly warned helping teenage mothers acquire the dire
to responsibly portray sexuality in needed problem solving skill and use it
television, movies, and other mass over their life span to enable them

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
survive, develop, and achieve success, 6) Coley, R.L. & Chase-Lansdale,
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ELK ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

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2 In some cultures, pregnancy can

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Empirical findings and analysis Teen Pregnancy and contraceptive

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ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

ISSN 2349-2317 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJMRM/issn. 2349-2317/2015; Volume 2 Issue 4 (2016)

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