What to expect when girls are expecting: psychosocial support challenges and opportunities in the context and aftermath of teenage pregnancy in Kenya

Abstract

Plain language summary This study looked into the lives of pregnant and parenting girls in Kenya by examining case notes that were written up by psychologists during the counseling sessions they held with 20 different teenage girls who were pregnant, or already had children, and 6 of their parents. The case notes provided an understanding of the kind of support pregnant and parenting girls need, including mental health care to deal with the trauma of sexual violence (and other issues) that some had experienced. It also helped put a spotlight on the traumas that parents of affected girls face after a teenage pregnancy occurs. These issues need to be addressed in order to ensure that health and development professionals who work with pregnant and parenting girls are as helpful to them as possible.

Keywords

• Teenage pregnancy
• Early pregnancy
• Psychosocial support
• Psychosocial support for parents
• Adolescent mental health
• Kenya