Teenage mother's predictions of their support levels before and actual support levels after having a child.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate to what extent teenage mothers are able to predict their postnatal support networks in the antenatal period, and the extent to which support correlates with depressive symptomatology and social class.


METHODS
A prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Teenage antenatal clinic.


METHODS
Teenage mothers (n=124) aged less than 18 years.


METHODS
Women were surveyed in the antenatal period and again 6 months postpartum about their anticipated and actual levels of support using the Maternal Social Support Index. The questionnaire covered key issues involved in discharge planning such as the availability of help with household tasks, emergency respite, and communication. Subjects also completed social class data and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.


METHODS
Ability of pregnant teenagers to predict postnatal support and correlation of support with social class and depressive symptomatology.


RESULTS
The key finding was that teenage mothers significantly overestimated their support networks in the antenatal period compared to the reality experienced 6 months postpartum (P=0.0001). Dissatisfaction was most marked in the communication and daily activity support subscales. The level of support at 6 months postpartum correlated significantly with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression score (P=0.0001) and with social class (P=0.017).


CONCLUSIONS
Services for teenage mothers that provide assistance with communication and daily support activities are required to help overcome the discrepancies between idealization and reality. Poor support correlates with depressive symptomatology and social class.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. julieq@unimelb.edu.au
Julie A
JA
Quinlivan
Birgit
B
Luehr
Sharon F
SF
Evans
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000523:psychology*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors