University of Wales: Teenage Pregnancy Impact on Physical Health

This dissertation, conducted for the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, explores the impact of teenage pregnancy on the physical health of mothers in the UK. The study examines the risks associated with teenage pregnancy, including low birth weight, premature labor, and nutritional deficiencies, alongside the potential for long-term socio-emotional and developmental delays in children born to teen mothers. The research investigates the physical and mental health challenges faced by young mothers, emphasizing the importance of prenatal and postnatal care. The methodology includes a literature review, aiming to identify health risks, problems, and strategies for overcoming health issues. The findings underscore the need for continuous medical supervision throughout pregnancy to identify and address potential complications. The dissertation recommends that pregnant women maintain consistent contact with healthcare providers to ensure early detection and treatment of health issues, ultimately promoting better outcomes for both mother and child.

Dissertation

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards my teacher who helped me to
compete this project. A heartfelt thanks to the professors who helped me at every step of the
project and extending valuable suggestions that made this project a successful one.
Further, I would like to thank my parents for giving me unbound assistance by
encouraging me to prepare this project. I am greatly thankful to out training professor, whose
drills helped me to understand core ascpect related to subject matter.
In the end I would like to thank all those people, friends and collegues who have given
tangible or intangible contribution in making this research project a successful one.

Table of Contents
CHATER 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND...............................................................2
1.1 Overview................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Rationale of the research.......................................................................................................3
1.3 Aim of the study....................................................................................................................3
1.4 Objectives of the study..........................................................................................................3
1.5 Research questions.................................................................................................................3
1.6 Significance of the research...................................................................................................4
1.7 Scope of the study..................................................................................................................4
1.8 Limitations of the study.........................................................................................................5
1.9 Conceptual framework analysis.............................................................................................5
1.10 Dissertation structure...........................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2: METHODS AND METHODOLOGY.....................................................................7
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................7
2.2 Research Philosophy..............................................................................................................7
2.3 Research approach.................................................................................................................8
2.4 Research technique................................................................................................................8
2.5 Research design.....................................................................................................................9
2.6 Data Collection......................................................................................................................9
2.7 Sampling..............................................................................................................................10
2.8 Data Analysis.......................................................................................................................10
2.9 Ethical consideration...........................................................................................................11
2.10 Validity and reliability.......................................................................................................11
CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................13
3.1 Physical impact of teenage pregnancy.................................................................................13
3.2 Behaviours that pose a health risk for adolescent pregnant girls.........................................14
3.3 Strategies to overcome health issues in pregnancy..............................................................15
3.4 Teenage pregnancy in UK...................................................................................................17
3.5 Problems associated to teenage pregnancy..........................................................................18
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................20
4.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................20

4.2 Thematic Analysis and analysis...........................................................................................20
4.3 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................26
4.4 Recommendation.................................................................................................................27
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................29
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................33

ABSTRACT
Teenage pregnancy is considered to be an important topic that requires adequate amount
of research. It can not only prove to be dangerous for the child but equally harmful for mother as
well. There is ongoing trend of becoming pregnant at such a tender age where the physical body
of the mother is not mature enough to carry a baby in her womb has led to increase in mortality
rate. The mother requires pre-natal and post-natal care o that she can give birth to a healthy child.
The research has been conducted on teenage pregnancy with the aim to explore the impact of
teenage pregnancy on physical health of mother. Various health conditions such as anaemia,
haemorrhage etc has been discussed in the project so as to make it fruitful. A secondary research
has been conducted to analyse varied aspects related to it. Based on the research it has been
analysed that the mother requires adequate amount of care during her gestation period otherwise
she can get attracted towards various life-threatening diseases. Based on it the main
recommendation that has been provided in the report is that the pregnant women must stay in
contact with the doctor continuously so that the condition can be assessed at an initial stage and
treatment can be extended accordingly.
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Topic: “To explore the impact of teenage pregnancy on physical health of mother-A study on
the UK and what can be improved with the knowledge”
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Teenage pregnancy which is also known as adolescent pregnancy in the females who are
under the age of 20 (Baldwin and Edelman, 2013). A female can become pregnant if she gets
involved in sexual intercourse and have started ovulating. It can be right before her first
menstrual period or most commonly occur after it has already started. In the girls who intake
adequate amount of nutrition in their diet, first menstrual period usually takes place at the age of
12 or 13 (Reese and Halpern, 2013).
When a girl become pregnant before then age of 20, there are various physical and mental
risk factors that can get attracted towards her. The risk factors become extreme if age of the girl
is below 15 as they are less physically developed. It is difficult for them to sustain in a healthy
pregnancy or to give birth to a baby. Further, girls who get pregnant between the age of 15 – 19
years, various socio-economic risks get attracted towards them (Blackman, 2013). Common risk
factors that have been observed in teenage pregnancy are, low weight of the baby at birth,
premature labour and delivery, lack of iron and B12 due to extreme loss of blood, etc (Brandt
and Rozin, 2013).
Early motherhood can also have a significant impact on psychosocial development of the
child. Children who have been borne by teen mothers are at high risk of language, speech,
intellectual and socio emotional delays (Reese and Halpern, 2013). Developmental disabilities
are another common aspect that has been found in children from early teen girls (Arceo-Gómez
and Campos-Vazquez, 2014).
Prenatal and maternal health care is considered as one of the major concern among
teenage pregnant and parenting girls. The outcomes for the research suggested that lack of intake
of nutrients in prenatal period can risk to life of the girl as well as the child (Shefer, Bhana and
Morrell, 2013). Nutritional deficiencies are common aspects where poor eating habits of the girl
can impact her pregnancy. Complication in pregnancy can result in death of young mothers.
Teenage mothers are considered to have the poorest physical health in comparison to all other
categories of women. As per the reports, 77% of pregnancies at this age are unplanned. These are
the girls who have got involved in unprotected sex. They tend to neglect their health at the time
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of pregnancy and during their maternal period as well. Hence, they are at higher risk of
preeclampsia, where blood pressure of the pregnant girl takes a sudden hike (Shefer, Bhana and
Morrell, 2013). It also increases protein in urine. It commonly occurs after 20 weeks of
pregnancy.
1.2 Rationale of the research
It is important for the researcher to understand the relevance of the research. The study
must hold some worth so that it can serve some specific purpose. Hence, it is necessary for the
scholar to understand importance of the research and assess its importance in practical as well as
academical aspect (What Are the Effects of Teenage Pregnancy?, 2017). The researcher does not
have adequate knowledge regarding teenage pregnancy and want to develop the same which
attracted him towards studying the topic in effective manner. Further, increasing deaths of young
mother is another aspect where it has become important to understand the effects a girl have on
her body when she becomes pregnant at such tender age. The present study will also help in
analysing the risk factors that can affect her normal body functioning. Further, the study will also
be helpful in improving the current knowledge on the topic possessed by the researcher (Morrell,
Bhana and Shefer, 2012).
1.3 Aim of the study
The aim to the present study is “To explore the impact of teenage pregnancy on physical health
of mother”
1.4 Objectives of the study
Based on the above stated aim, following objectives can be framed:
 To examine the physical impact by teenage pregnancy on the mother in the UK
 To investigate which behaviours, pose a health risk at the time of teenage pregnancy for
mothers in the UK
 To analyse the problem which is associate with the teenage pregnancy for mother
 To recommend the strategies to overcome health issues in teenage pregnancy
 To present recommendations on strategies which promote health for pregnant teenagers
1.5 Research questions
Based on the above objectives, following research questions can be framed:
 What are the physical effects of teenage pregnancy on the mother in the UK and how
can they be best supported?
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 What is the health risk faced at the time of teenage pregnancy in the UK?
 What is the problem which is associate with the teenage pregnancy?
 What strategies can be recommended to overcome health issues in teenage pregnancy?
1.6 Significance of the research
Teenage pregnancy has become a common topic, not only in UK but in all over the world.
It is important to make the assessment of physical effects of teenage pregnancy on the mother in
the UK. Further, it will also help in analysing that what all support can be extended to them
during their gestation period. The present research on teenage pregnancy will also be helpful in
investigating behaviours that pose a health risk at the time of teenage pregnancy for mothers in
the UK. The research will also be helpful in analysing the problems that are associated with
teenage pregnancy for mother. The research holds greater significance in recommending on
strategies which can assist in promoting health for pregnant teenagers. Hence, it is important for
the researcher to conduct a thorough study on teenage pregnancy.
There are various other benefits that is attached to conducting the research. Some of them
are mentioned below: Academically: The topic holds great importance in academic terms. There are various
aspects in the topic that are required to be understood by the researcher with respect to
teenage pregnancy. It will help in making the knowledge to the current subject concrete. To ascertain risks: There are various mental and physical risks that are associated to
pregnancy. The study will be helpful in preparing assessment and recommending on the
same which can be adopted by the women prior and after their gestation period (Shefer,
Bhana and Morrell, 2013).
1.7 Limitations of the study
There are various limitations of the study which is going to be conducted by researcher on
teenage pregnancy. There are fewer chances of leading the study to utmost perfection as there are
certain constraints that are attached to the research. The major constraint is of time and budget
that is available to the researcher. An important role is played by adequacy of investment that has
been incorporated to conduct the study. It helps in getting valuable and effective outcome.
Further, there can be lack of secondary information due to restricted access to some important
websites which can barricade the knowledge of the researcher (Gyesaw and Ankomah, 2013). It
also restricts the learnings of the researcher towards stated subject matter. It is not possible to
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conduct all the important aspect of the research within stated time frame. These constraints can
bring adequate deviation in the results and recommendation part to a greater extent.
1.8 Conceptual framework analysis
Conceptual framework analysis is considered as one of the important aspect of the
research. It helps in making a detailed analysis of the topic that has been chosen for the research,
that is, teenage pregnancy. The present study has been conducted with the aim to explore the
impact of teenage pregnancy on physical health of mother and what can be improved with the
knowledge. Following tools and techniques will be used to conducts the research:
 Research design: descriptive research design will be used to conduct the present study. It
will help in collecting information regarding teenage pregnancy that is already available.
The design is clearly aligned to the objectives and aim of the research.
 Research Philosophy: Interpretivism research philosophy will helps in understanding
the theoretical aspect of the study that is attached to it (Amoran, 2012).
 Research type: Qualitative type of research will be conducted to achieve the objectives
of this type of study. The approach will help in reaching to effective conclusion as well as
results.
 Research approach: In the present research, existing theories will be analysed and hence
deductive approach of research will be beneficial to gather knowledge on teenage
pregnancy.
 Data Analysis: Critically analysing the opinion of the researchers will help in analysing
the literature collected for the study. Further, thematic analysis will be performed in order
to analyse the collected data.
1.9 Dissertation structure
It is important to have effective flow of dissertation structure so that the reader can gather
adequate knowledge through it. Further, the format followed by the scholar helps in indulging in
clear and specific view of the results. Hence, the dissertation will flow in the following manner:
 Chapter 1: Introduction: It is first and foremost chapter of the dissertation which helps
in giving overall idea of the dissertation. It also specifies aim and objective of the
research for which it has been conducted (Copping, Campbell and Muncer, 2013).
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 Chapter 2: Literature review: It is the chapter of dissertation where secondary
information is gathered and critically analysed. It is collected through books, journals,
blogs, online information etc.
 Chapter 3: Research Methodology: The chapter will help in stating the research tools
and techniques that will be used by the researcher to conduct the research. Some of the
important aspects included in it are, research approach, design, sampling technique etc.
 Chapter 4: Data Analysis: The collected data through various sources is analysed in the
chapter.
 Chapter 5: Findings and Discussions: The findings are discussed from collected data.
Critical analysis of the information is assessed in order to reach to a specific finding.
 Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations: Based on the research conducted,
conclusion and recommendations are suggested in this chapter.
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CHAPTER 2: METHODS AND METHODOLOGY
2.1 Introduction
Research methodology is one of the most significant aspect by which actual issue of the
research study can easily address. In the absence of research methodology, research study cannot
be completed. Once the literature review has successfully designed then in the next stage, scholar
can focus on the research methodology (Flick, 2011). It consists with various methods such as
research approach, philosophies, data collection, data analysis, research techniques, research
design, sampling etc. In a simple word it can be said that research methodology is a process used
to collect information and data for the purpose of making business decision. However, it is very
important for the researcher to select right kind of methods for conduct investigation because
wrong selection of technique can negatively influence the outcome of entire study. Thus, it can
be said that proper selection of the research methodology is important by which scholar can
obtain the right and accurate solution of the study. In the present research study, the major aim of
researcher is to explore the impact of teenage pregnancy on physical health of mother. In order to
attain this objective, scholar have applied various methods of the research methodology which
discussed below-
2.2 Research Philosophy
The research philosophy under the research methodology is referred as overarching terms
that is associated with enhancing the idea and knowledge about the entire investigation. In the
absence of research philosophy, it may complex to address the appropriate solution of problem.
This method consisted with two approaches that are interpretivism and positivism. While
researcher formulate hypothesis in order to conduct the test of study then it is known as the
positivism research philosophy (Diment, 2012). This technique provides an opportunity for
explanation that can be assessed against the knowledge acceptable within the world where we
live. On the other hand, in the context of interpretivism research philosophy researcher offer
suitable justification to the problem under research. This philosophy helps to the scholar in
understanding the actual issue of the research and justify the problem along with appropriate
solution. In the present study, researcher has applied interpretivism research philosophy through
which scholar can effectively explore the impact of teenage pregnancy on physical health of
mother. Interpretivism research philosophy has been applied because this study is based on the
secondary source.
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2.3 Research approach
Research approach is another major significant method in the research methodology
which helps to the scholar in addressing the appropriate solution of the study. Research approach
is referred to as the technique through which particular set of research is being conducted in
order to attain the outcome. The application of research approach can used so as researcher
cannot distract from actual path of the study and data collection. With assistance of this research
approach, scholar can take the proper consideration for conduct investigation and obtain actual
outcome (Dallen, 2007). It provides the proper direction and guidance to the scholar for make
the proper solution of research study and obtain feasible outcome. There are major two kinds of
research approach that are inductive and deductive. In the context of inductive research
approach, researcher compels the research to move in direction from specific to general. On the
other hand, in the context of deductive research approach, researcher begins with the statement
and further investigation can carried out in order to respond it (Forzano, 2011). In a simple word
it can be said that research approach is one of the technique which assist the scholar for
collecting and analysing the complete solution. In this present study, scholar has applied
inductive research approach for explore the impact of teenage pregnancy on physical health of
mother. Inductive research approach has been applied in this investigation for develop
generalization.
2.4 Research technique
In the entire research methodology, research technique is one of the most significant
philosophy which applied on the entire study in order to collect, analyse, summarise the
information about the subject (Crowther and Lancaster, 2012). It makes the investigation more
attractive and effective. With assistance of this technique, research issue can address in more
effective manner and researcher can understand the actual objective of entire investigation. Thus,
it can be said that in the absence of research technique it is impossible to conduct the
investigation for attain the objective. It provides answer to the question by making analysis as
well as sense of unstructured data. There are major two kinds of research technique that is
qualitative and quantitative (Garrod, Wornell and Youell, 2006). Qualitative research technique
is in the descriptive in nature and in the quantitative research technique, researcher can have
applied the question in order to get an effective answer of the research study. In the present
study, researcher has applied qualitative research technique for explore the impact of teenage
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