Integral care for pregnant adolescents: Impact on offspring

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the impact of integral support on the health of children of adolescent mothers and their children. Methods: A prospective study involving 50 adolescent mothers, who had frequent meetings with a multi-professional group throughout pregnancy. After birth, medical follow-up was provided to mother and child. Results: Mean schooling proved higher than the national average. After follow-up, the rate of return to education was 24%. These adolescents had good social network support from both family and father of the child. They considered themselves good mothers and felt happier after maternity experience. Adolescents demonstrated a responsible sex life involving family planning and correct use of contraception, yielding extremely low levels of repeat pregnancy. Of the mothers, 48% were employed, working, earning a mean monthly salary of 150% minimum wage. The children of mothers followed by were breastfed longer and had greater vaccination cover than the average for Sao Paulo State. Conclusions: The results suggest that our program promotes education of adolescents and their children; demonstrates the importance of a social support network through the family of the young mother and father of the child; fosters positive maternal social model addressing self-esteem and responsibility; informs mothers on contraception and encourages a responsible sex life, baby care, vaccination, and maternal breastfeeding. ©Freund Publishing House Ltd.