Reflections of Teenage Mothers: A Phenomenological Study

Teenage motherhood presents complex emotional, social, educational, health, and economic challenges, yet the personal voices of young mothers are often overlooked. This study explored the lived experiences and reflections of teenage mothers aged 13–19 in Barangay Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City, focusing on their experiences during pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood, the challenges and emotional experiences they encountered, and the meanings they derived from their experiences. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Nine teenage mothers were purposively selected and interviewed using semi-structured, open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method, involving familiarization with the data, extraction of significant statements, formulation of meanings, clustering of themes, development of an exhaustive description, participant validation, and finalization of the findings. The findings revealed that pregnancy was commonly experienced as an unexpected and frightening life transition characterized by shock, fear, isolation, regret, social judgment, disrupted education, and difficulties accessing healthcare. Childbirth was associated with fear, economic hardship, inadequate support, emotional distress, and feelings of being unprepared for motherhood. During early motherhood, participants experienced disrupted schooling, isolation, financial difficulties, family rejection, and social stigma. Despite these hardships, the participants demonstrated resilience, personal growth, strengthened relationships, acceptance, and a deep sense of love and responsibility toward their children. The findings emphasize the need for holistic and compassionate interventions that integrate emotional support, accessible healthcare, educational opportunities, family guidance, and community-based support systems for teenage mothers.