Exploring Early Motherhood through Perspectives from Teenage Mothers and Healthcare Providers: A Qualitative Study

Background: Motherhood is integral to women's identity globally, yet early motherhood presents health challenges, particularly in developing countries, with approximately 21 million pregnancies annually among adolescent girls aged 15-19. This phenomenon is linked to adverse outcomes, including education barriers and some other experiences and needs participation. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian teenage mothers and healthcare providers to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with early motherhood, thereby informing future interventions and support strategies. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study used conventional content analysis. Data collection and analysis were done from August to December 2022, with interviews with 15 teenage mothers and 11 health carers of Shiraz and Fasa. Our tool for data collection was a semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis. Guba and Lincoln criteria were used to assess data validity. Results: The 1900 conceptual codes of the participants' experiences were classified into three general categories of teenage mothers and healthcare provider's experiences. Conclusion: While early motherhood brings responsibilities and social recognition, teenage mothers in this study faced significant challenges, such as managing work and childcare and addressing mental health disorders. Efforts should focus on high-quality care for adolescent mothers, support for their children, and enhancing social support systems and educational opportunities.