Life after teenage childbearing: A long-term view on teenage mothers’ wellbeing

Background: This study aims to address the lack of information about the long-term wellbeing of (former) teenage mothers in the Netherlands. It provides data which policymakers can use to ensure that support programmesmeet the needs of teenage mothers.

Methods: Women who had given birth before the age of twenty were recruited online by Fiom, expertise centre on unintended pregnancy (December 2018–February 2019; N = 248). Survey data were obtained to assess how they perceived their wellbeing, employment, education, housing, and social support. Respondents were divided into three groups: 0–3 years after teenage childbearing (short term), 4–12 years (medium term), >12 years (long term). Results were analysed using univariate and bivariate descriptions in SPSS.

Results: Almost 80% of respondents reported that they were doing well and were satisfied with their lives, 63% had a job, and 17% were students. Short-term mothers worked fewer hours per week, received more benefits, and were less satisfied with their living conditions compared to medium- and long-term mothers. 36% Of the respondents smoked cigarettes. Most support was given by family (83%), mainly by female relatives. About 24% received formal support from social workers or institutions.

Conclusions: Respondents, on average, reported they were doing well and were satisfied with their lives, in both the short and long term. These results suggest that as the years pass, teenage mothers overcome difficulties. Regarding income and housing, however, short-term mothers were in a less favourable position. Tailored interventions are recommended to address smoking among (former) teenage mothers.