Experiences with childhood trauma among first-time adolescent and young adult mothers: Risk factor for subsequent pregnancy within twelve months

Abstract

The current study had two objectives: (1) to document the rates of rapid subsequent pregnancy among first-time adolescent and young adult mothers and (2) to assess how experiences with childhood trauma may be associated with rapid subsequent pregnancy. First-time adolescent and young adult mothers (N=118) were interviewed during the prenatal period and when their baby was 6 and 12 months of age via home visits. Overall, 18% of the first-time adolescent and young adult mothers experienced a subsequent pregnancy within 12 months. Mothers who had a rapid subsequent pregnancy were more likely to have experienced childhood trauma than mothers who did not have a rapid subsequent pregnancy. These findings suggest the prenatal period offers a critical opportunity for health care providers to identify individual mental health needs of pregnant women and initiate appropriate supports.