Pregnancy perceptions for pregnant adolescents in the interior of Pernambuco

Abstract

Objective: To comprehend the perceptions about pregnancy of pregnant adolescents living in the municipality of Correntes-Pernambuco-Brazil. Methods: This is a qualitative research in light of the life-history method. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eleven pregnant women between the ages of ten and nineteen living in the municipality, from February to July 2016. The data obtained was subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: Within the perception of the interviewees there were changes in their lives, mainly regarding the way of dressing and relating with other, in addition to the feeling of increased responsibilities. All reported lack of planning for the pregnancy and absence of prior contraceptive use. Some mentioned desire for motherhood, in addition to relating the pregnancy to a realization of a dream. Conclusion: The pregnancy was positively seen by the adolescents participating in the study, bringing changes to the individual, marital and social spheres.

Keywords

• adolescent health
• pregnancy in adolescence
• public health
• gender and health
• perception