MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

PREGY (PERSONAL ISSUES, ROUGH ADJUSTMENT, ENHANCE CONNECTIONS, GREAT

RESPONSIBILITY, YOUNG MOTHER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT); PHENOMENOLOGY OF

TEENAGE MOTHER OF CENTRO 3 LASAM, CAGAYAN

A Research Presented to the

College of Nursing of

Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree Bachelor of

Science in Nursing Research

BY:

BUHISAN, MARIA JOSEPHINE P.

BUTACAN, APRIL A.

PALLE, JULIE ANNE H.

RABANAL, LEA ABIGAIL T.

UTAYDE, CASSEY FAITH S.

S.Y. 2020-2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE PAGE

Title Page---------------------------------------------i

Approval Sheet-----------------------------------------ii

Acknowledgement----------------------------------------iii

Dedication---------------------------------------------iv

List of Tables-----------------------------------------vii

List of Figures----------------------------------------viii

Abstract-----------------------------------------------ix

Chapter I – THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction-------------------------------------------1

Theoretical Framework----------------------------------3

Research Paradigm--------------------------------------4

Statement of the Problem-------------------------------5

Significance of the Study------------------------------5

Scope and Delimitation of the Study--------------------6

Definition of Terms------------------------------------7

Chapter II – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Review of Related Literature---------------------------8

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Chapter III – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design---------------------------------------26

Respondents of the Study------------------------------26

Data Gathering Tool-----------------------------------27

Data Gathering Procedure------------------------------27

Data Analysis-----------------------------------------28

Chapter IV – RESULT, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Presentation, Interpretation, and Analysis of Data----29

Chapter V – SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary of Findings-----------------------------------77

Conclusion---------------------------------------------78

Recommendation----------------------------------------79

APPENDICES

References

Sample Data Gathering Tool

Informed Consent

Transcripts of Data

Curriculum Vitae

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Factors Associated with Early Pregnancy------------29

Table 2: Challenges Encountered of Early Pregnancy----------39

Table 3: Coping to Challenges-------------------------------48

Table 4: Lessons Learned from Experience--------------------53

Table 5: Outcomes of Early Pregnancy------------------------64

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Research Paradigm --------------------------------4

Figure 2: Central Phenomenon -------------------------------71

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CHAPTER 4

RESULT, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter discusses the result, analysis and interpretation of

data. It has been categorized by themes that derived from each

respondent’s responses. This served as evidence that supports the study.

Table 01: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY PREGNANCY

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM CLUSTER THEMES EMERGENT

CODES THEMES

Broken family Poor parent and child PERSONAL

Lack of attention relationship ISSUES
Family problem

Bad company
Peer pressure
Negative friends

Financial difficulties Lack of financial support

Lack of support

Compromised Education Inability to continue

Self-doubt education

Personal issue is a theme that discusses the factors associated

with our respondent’s early pregnancy. Teenagers’ personal dilemmas

such as having a poor relationship with their parents, being in a bad

circle of friends, lack of financial resources, and inability to study

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are the main reasons we found that has the biggest contribution in our

teenage mother’s situation.

According to Macleod and Durrheim (2003), teenage pregnancy is a

social problem, associated with school disruption, poor obstetric

outcomes, inadequate motherhood, poor child outcomes, and poor

relationships with relatives, partners, and peers. Difficulties,

leading to demographic concerns about population growth. Adolescents’

likelihood of having unprotected sex, pregnancy and childbirth are

strongly correlated with several risk factors. These factors included

growing up in a single-parent household, living in a poor and/or high-

poverty neighborhood, poor school attachment and performance, and low

parental education levels (Moore, Miller et al. al. 1995). Life

experiences associated with poverty, exclusion from school, prevalence

of out-of-wedlock childcare and unemployment, lack of educational

opportunities, and secure career prospects reduce the perceived costs

of early motherhood; it has been reported to lead to an increase in

teenage pregnancies. Girls of lower socioeconomic status and early onset

of menarche have also been reported to be sexually active (Coley and

Chase-Lansdale, 1998). Based on this result, it can be argued that

socioeconomic factors may influence early sexual behavior in teenagers,

thereby increasing the likelihood of conception.

Poor parent and child relationship hinders parental guidance and

involvement. Families have tremendous influence as a risk factor to

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teenage pregnancy. Adolescents love attention; they usually seek

attention to others especially when they are being disregarded by their

parents. Parental guidance, attention and involvement to the child most

likely develop a mutual trust between parents and children and it is

easier for parents to guide and monitor their children as their child

will not hesitate to tell their problems, doings and whereabouts. Broken

family, family problems and lack of attention leads to poor parent and

child relationships that hinders parental guidance and support.

According to Fergusson and Woodward (2000) they found that

adolescents living in vulnerable households, such as single-mother

households, families with conflicting parents, some parental

separation, and living with stepparents, were predisposing factors for

teenage pregnancy. As reported by Gyan (2013). Ferguson and Woodward,

(2000). And Tatta et al., (2003) reported that parental neglect and

absenteeism caused teenage pregnancies in Nzambani because the girls

had no role models or supervision.

PO1:“Kuwan dahil narin sa broken

family ako tapos yung pinag stayan
ko dati sa Solana masyadong mapang
api yung tipong magagalit sila dun
sa anak nila ako yung nasasaktan
kapag nakita nila ako ako yung
sasampalin susuntukin mga ganun
tapos siyempre bilang teenager din
meron yung rebelde na ugali yung
umiiral sa akin pagrerebelde
hanggang sa hindi ko na naano yung
temptation nabuntis ako dahil lang
sa pagrerebelde.” (Because I
belongto a broken family, then the
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one I used to live with in Solana

is very oppressive.For example,
they will get angry with their
child and I am the one who gets
hurt when they see me, I am the
one who will be slapped, will be
punched like that then of course
as a teenager there is also
therebellious act that exists in
me I got rebelled until I can no
longer control the temptation. I
got pregnant just because of
rebellion.)
PO3: “Lack of attention from my
family and I seek too much
atensyon sa ibang tao at so yun
nga po nagka jowa na ko feeling ko
sa kanya ko nakukuha lahat ng
atensyon not knowing na I got too
far ayun po attensyon nakulangan
ako doon.” (I was always
seekingattention from my family
and when I got a boyfriend, I got
all the attention I needed from
him.)
PO8: “Siguro yung nakikita kong
dahilan kaya ako maagang nabuntis
dahil sa family problem lagi ako
pinapagalitan ng aking ama ang
baba ng tingin niya sa akin. Kaya
noon bf ko na tumutulong sakin
para tumatag hanggang sa palagi na
kami nagsasama. Hanggang sa may
nangyari na saamin.” (Maybe the
reason I see why I got pregnant
early is because of a family
problem. My father always scolds
me. He underestimated me. So, it
was my bf who helped me to be
strong until we were always
together.Until something happened
to us.)

Having a bad company or wrong set of friends leads a teenager in

developing unwanted behavior and disruptive choices in life. Peer

pressure and negative friends is one of the factors that our study found
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associated with early pregnancy. Negative friends and peer pressure

motivates teenagers to engage in sexual behavior as this type of friends

is curious in a lot of things in the world including premarital sex.

They are lack in sexual knowledge and guidance, and all they know is

that sexual intercourse is something done by lovers. They are promoting

early dating and premarital sex but they are not aware of it’s

consequences.

Thus, Williams (1991), cited in a Ghanaian study by Gyan (2013),

found that adolescents are often engaged and dependent on peers for

information, resulting in discovering not factual information.

Similarly, teens tend to imitate their peers and may engage in substance

abuse, early risky sex, and more. Similarly, Orori and Yusuna (2013),

Mutanana and Mutara (2015), and her NCPD (2017) found that as teens

perceive and adapt to peer behavior, peer pressure can affect her

teenage years. Reported to be a contributing factor in teenage

pregnancies and substance abuse.

PO2: “Barkada dahil

naimpluwensyahan ako sa kanila.”
(My friends because of bad
influence.)
PO4: “Dahil sa barkada, tapos
family problem, tapos own problem
yung pagiging emotional mo ganon
then mga school activities din po.
Sa barkada po yun po yung tinutkso
tukso ka nila doon po
nagsisimula.” (It is because of my
friends family problems, dealing
with my own problems like being
emotional and school activities
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too. It all started when my

friends were teasing me.)
PO6: “Barkada a iti kasta isu ajay
nabarkada nak idi syempre
boyfriend dim ammu ti anya ti
kasta na. Agnimun inum ka kasjay
agsigarilyo adjay ti way nan apay
nga kwa, nabarkada. Gamin idi
nawalay kami ag ob-overnight kami
agijay gamin idi iti kasta mi isu
nga kasta siguro napaaga nga
naging ina.” (I was in a group of
friends with our boyfriends then I
didn’t notice that. I’ve already
lost. I became too much. We used
to drink alcohol, smoke, we go
wherever we want, and overnight
sleep at friend’s house I think
that’s the reason why I got
pregnant early.)

Lack of financial support is also associated with early pregnancy

as poverty pushes teenagers to compromise their education and comfort

just to provide their needs or self sustaining. As teenagers having

difficulties in looking for financial support, they don’t have the

chance to continue their studies and end up having a family at a very

young age. Lack of financial support or difficulties are one of the

factors our respondents claimed that triggers them to engage in early

pregnancy.

According to Macleod (1999), there seems to be a consensus among

researchers that poor socioeconomic status is the main cause of

adolescent pregnancy. In a longitudinal study of her teenage pregnancy

and educational attainment in New Zealand by Fergusson and Woodward

(2000), girls from poorer backgrounds were more likely to have their

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teenage mothers than girls from financially stable backgrounds. Shown

to be at high risk. Similarly, a KDHS (2014) study found that the

majority of teenage mothers are from economically disadvantaged

quartiles. On the other hand, Timaeus & Moultrie (2015), in a

longitudinal study of adolescence, childbirth, and educational

attainment in South Africa, reported that girls were from poorer

backgrounds. Actively engaged in sexual relationships with men in the

hope that they would pay their school fees. Ikamari et al.,

(2013), UNFPA (2015), Ogori and Yusuna (2013), Mutanana and Mutara

(2014), and also Gyan (2013).

According to Robeyns’ (2005) Sen Capability Approach (CA), lack of

economic freedom leads to lack of the most basic needs such as education,

nutrition, health, and clothing, and increases the risk of girls falling

into teenage pregnancy and becoming parents.

PO1: “ako at tsaka yung partner ko

e is medyo mahirap. Naghihirap
kami kasi siyempre ako, wala kong
natapos yung partner ko grade 12
nayun diko pa alam kung makakapag
graduate, pero ngayon nasa
tuguegarao na siya nagwowork sana
nga lang makaaho kami kahit
papano. Si baby naman sa awa ng
diyos hindi nagkakasakit. Okay
naman masayang pamilya minsan nga
lang nagkakaproblema dahil lang sa
pinansiyal na support kasi
nagdadiaper yung baby ko tapos
madami rin kaming binabayaran na
bills kasi nga sa family nga po.
Ayun ang hirap hanapan ng kuwan
mga pinansyal kasi wala akong
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trabaho yung partner ko naman no

10,25 ang swelduhan sa trabaho
kaya hirap hanapan ng pagkukuhanan
talaga ng pang gastos.” (My
family, my baby, me and my partner
are having difficulties. We are
having difficulties because of
course I didn’t finish my studies,
while my partner is a grade 12
student and I still don't know if
he can graduate, but now he's in
Tuguegarao and he's working
hoping we can get up somehow. The
baby, by the mercy of God, does
not get sick. It's okay, a happy
family but sometimes we're having
a problem because of financial
support, my baby uses diapers and
then we also pay a lot of bills
for the family. That's how hard it
is to find financial resources
because I don't have a job and my
partner receives his salary every
10th and 25th of the month and it
is really hard to find resources
to pay the expenses.) P03: “My
family is fine masaya naman kami
at kunteto ngunit wala nga lang
kami kapabilidad ng buhayin ngayon
ang sarili naming mga anak kasi
nag aaral pa po kami. Naka depende
kami ngayon sa mga parents namin
at sa mga iskolar, kargo kami ng
magulang ko.” (My family is OK. We
are happy that we are contented
but right now we do not have the
capability to take care of our
children because we are still
studying. We are currently
depending on our parents and our
scholarship; I have 2 children
already.)
PO8: “Kapag tungkol naman po sa
pinansyal sa buhay medyo
nagkakaproblema po kami kasi
napoproblemahan po kami sa pambili
ng gatas para sa baby naming.
Farmer at nagsasideline rin po sa
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construction yung asawa ko.”

(About our financial status, we
are encountering problems related
to finances, we are having
difficulties in buying milk
formula for our baby. My husband
works as a farmer and at the same
time he works as a construction
worker too.)

Lack of financial support and self doubt is interconnected with

the cluster theme Inability to continue study. As teenagers who are in

low socioeconomic status set aside their education because of poverty

and low confidence to self. Inability of a teenager to attend school

prevents them to be educated on sexual practices and its outcome. It

also makes teenagers vulnerable to teenage pregnancy and has a high

probability that they would also end up raising their child into poverty

as they don’t have proper education that is vital in looking for a

decent job to live. Teenagers also experienced discrimination and

bullying which prevent them to attend school.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), teenage

girls in rural areas are at higher risk of becoming pregnant than girls

in urban areas. This is because teenage girls in rural areas have only

primary education, while girls in urban areas have better education.

Aside from academic factors, the report also says some girls don’t know

how to avoid pregnancy, while others are shy or embarrassed to use

contraceptives.

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Ehlers (2003) found that adolescent women who were poor students

with low educational attainment were more likely to become young mothers

than women of the same age who had good grades.

PO4: “Noong una ate mahirap po,

mahirap sabihin sa mga tao, sa
school kasi yun yung takot na ma
judge ka yung mga rumors tapos
pwede ka nilang I bully ganon
mahirap din po yun mag o overthink
ka then na overcome ko din po yun
noong nag open po ako sa teacher
namin then yung teacher po namin
nag explain sa mga classmates ko
at yun okay na din po pero may mga
rumors pa rin, may mga nambu bully
pa rin.” (I had struggles at the
beginning, it is not easy to tell
people my situation especially in
school because I’m scared I will
be judge by others and rumors are
spreading all over then students
have the chances to bully me,
another is I’m over thinking that
is why it is really hard but
eventually I overcome it, I open
my situation to my teacher and she
helped me to let my classmate
understand what I’m going through,
eventually it turn ok but there
were still rumors and some
bullying but I still continue my
studies.)
PO5: “Nasa middle class lang po
kami, hindi naman po kami
nagigipit.Meron pong tumutulong
samin, both parents po. Isang
beses lang po ako nagbuntis. Nag
stop po muna ako ako ng isang taon
pero itutuloy ko po.” (Simple,
we’re in the middle class, and not
short of money. Someone is helping
us, our both parents. I only got
pregnanct once. I stopped going to
school for a year but I will
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continue.) PO8: “Mahirap mag aral

po ngayon kasi modyul hindi ko
kayang pagsabayin kasi nag aalaga
ako ng bata. Hindi ko alam kung
kakayanin ko mag-aral.” (It is
hard to study now, we are having
our modules and I can’t do it at
the same time because I need to
take care of my baby. I don’t know
if I still can continue my
studies.)

Table 02: CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED AS A CONSEQUENCES OF EARLY PREGNANCY

STATEMENT OF THE CLUSTER THEMES EMERGENT

PROBLEM CODES THEMES

Taking care Managing difficulties as a ROUGH

Postpartum depression teenage mother ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment
Financial problem

Criticism Defying family and community

Separation criticism

Reasons for Rough Adjustment; In fact, a mother's ability to be a

mother is determined by how well she takes care of her child, meeting

all of their physical requirements and wants as well as providing the

necessary emotional and psychosocial support. The big life shift of

motherhood, a woman must balance personal wants at this time with

general concerns about her child's welfare. The optimal time to become

pregnant is when the woman is physically, emotionally, spiritually, and

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financially ready, and it is obvious that adolescent mothers are not.

New mothers need to make many adjustments, including physiological,

sociological, and financial ones. The burden of motherhood is placed on

the teen at the height of her adolescent enjoyment. The teen is then

pressured to mature for the sake of her child because she is still

unprepared for the significant role she will have to play.

Whether the pregnancies were anticipated or not, the majority of

adolescent moms had less time to prepare for and acclimate to

parenthood. Their capacity to handle the pressures of teenage parenting

and their lack of expertise in effective child rearing techniques hurt

their emotional health. This is due to the expectation that stress will

raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues

(Yahya, 2016).Women are more vulnerable and face tremendous challenges

in the transition to motherhood. This is exacerbated for young mothers,

and research shows that growing mothers experience the burden of

responsibility as they become mothers. (International Journal of Nursing

Science, 2019)

It's difficult work being a parent. It's even tougher to raise a

child in your teens. Among the most difficult things most individuals

will ever do in their lifetime are raising a child, beginning a job,

discovering who they are, and going to school. Can you even begin to

conceive experiencing each of these simultaneously? Do these folks

receive the support they require when it comes to providing for the

virtually constant feeding, bathing, and caring of children? If you're

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a teen parent, you could have to deal with some unique difficulties,

such as trying to finish school while caring for a child, your financial

situation, the possibility that you'll have postpartum depression, and

your ability to adjust. If these adolescent mothers are well-equipped

with the knowledge necessary to properly care for their newborn, Being

a mother to a newborn is quite difficult since the baby has many demands

that must be satisfied for healthy development. The mother must attend

to the infant's needs in order for the baby to develop healthily,

including regular feedings, diaper changes, immunizations, newborn

screenings, and reacting to the baby's cries. Ineffectiveness was one

of the biggest issues teenage mothers had to deal with. They are

dependent on others because they lack the knowledge and abilities

necessary for a successful parental role. Many teen mothers lacked the

knowledge necessary to assume responsibility for caring for themselves

and their children. A teen woman's life may change as a result of an

unintended pregnancy. Teen moms have to deal with adolescence and adjust

to the responsibilities and demands of parenting all at once, which is

why they develop mental health problems, particularly postpartum. This

places her in a position where she is responsible not only for herself

but also for the life of another human being. Financial problem might

go beyond simply not being able to cover the ongoing costs of raising

a kid. Many teenage moms are unable to complete their schooling, which

lowers their potential lifetime income. Additionally, for a variety of

reasons, their offspring frequently does poorly academically as well

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and may experience financial hardship as they grow older. However, teen

motherhood is not a death sentence, just like any other form of

adolescent risk-taking, and it is possible for teen mothers to overcome

financial obstacles. Teenage mothers face difficulties in their

abilities to adjust to their new parental position.

Young people who face motherhood in their teens may experience a

conflict between their new motherhood and their teenage needs. Early

motherhood experiences are contextual and influenced by the culture and

society in which the teen/woman lives (Moore, Miller et al. 1995).

Teenage pregnancy remains a major challenge in both developed and

developing countries. Premature and unwanted pregnancies among

adolescents have adverse health, educational, social and economic

consequences. (Joyce N. Mummer, 2019).

PO1: “Ano yung pag aalaga kay baby

simula sa noong panganganak kasi
walang nakagabay na parents sakin
yung mama ko nasa abroad yung
tipong magpapaligo ka kay baby
wala si mama walang matanda sa
tabi ko. Yung ako lang tapos yung
pagpupuyat sa gabi pagpapadede
yung kapag nagkakasakit si baby
parang isa lang yung nakikita ng
biyenan mo kasalanan mo ganun.
tapos Basta kapag may sakit si
baby laging hindi mawawala sa
sitwasyon na ikaw yung nasisisi
kapag nagkakasakit yung anak mo
yung lang.” (Taking care of my
baby since birth because there are
no parents to guide me, my mother
is in abroad, the experience where
you bathe the baby and there is no
mother to assist me. There is no
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adult beside me. I'm the only one

who wakes up at night, feeds the
baby. when the baby gets sick,
it's like my mother -in law sees
only one thing, it's my fault like
that then Just when the baby is
sick you always don't get lost in
the situation where you are the
one to blame when your child gets
sick.)
PO2: “Pag-aalaga ng bata syempre
ang hirap mag alaga lalo na pag
bata pa siya hindi niya alam
sabihin kung ano masakit sa
kaniya.”(Taking care of a child of
course, it is hard especially that
they don't know how to describe
how they feel when they get sick.)
PO4: “Yung pag-aalaga po ng baby,
yung time mo sa baby tapos time mo
as a housewife, then time mo sa
partner ang hirap po mag budget ng
time kasi minsan umiiyak na yung
bata nasusunog na pala yung
niluluto mo ganon tapos pag gabi
rin pag may tae po siya ang hirap
pong bumangon.” (Taking care of my
baby, I need to divide my time for
being a housewife and time for the
baby too. It’s really hard to
manage the time especially when my
baby is crying and then you have
to look into the overcooked rice.
And also when the baby pooped
during the night and I have to wake
up, it’s really hard.) PO8: “Mga
hamon na dumating sakin bilang
isang batang ina di ko alam kung
pano mag alaga, mag-paligo ng
bata, damitan tapos mayroong isa
pa na pinakahamon na walang wala
kaming pangbili ng gatas wala
kaming kapera pera noon yun yung
mga hamon na dumating sa amin.”
(The challenge that I encountered
being a teenage mother is I dont
know how to take care of the baby,
bathing the baby, and even putting
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the clothes, another struggle in

our life that time is we don’t have
money to buy formula milk for our
baby.)
PO4: “Sa panganay ko po ay pinaka
hamon sakin noon is postpartum
depression I think kasi masyado
ako kung nag ooverthink,mabilis
ako kung magalit, mabilis akong
magselos sa maliliit na bagay pati
po sa biyenan ko yung parang
simple lang na pagkuha sa anak ko
pakiramdam ko kinukuha nila yung
oras ko para sa anak ko dun ko
napagtanto na hindi na normal yung
pinagdadaanan ko na parang may
mali kaya nag research ako na nag
research at yun pala nasa Im under
na pala ako ng postpartum
depression at naging pala away rin
ako noon.” (I experienced
postpartum depression with my
eldest. I was constantly
overthinking. I just angry easily,
jealous and when my mother in law
took the baby I felt like the time
that I am spending with my baby is
not enough. I realized that it
wasn't right so is researched and
found out I am experiencing
postpartum depression.) PO6: “Nu
kasanu ka nga talaga kasanu ngata
ti pangalak ti kastuy pang araw-
araw kasjay. Single mother nak
pay. Satingin ko haan pay suna
handa agkaroon ti anak/pamilya
idi. Syak lang tumagtagayod ti
anak ko. Ti pinagalga medyo nalag
an met.” (Where I can get the daily
needs. I am also a single mother.
I think my exboyfriend is not yet
ready to have a child/family. I’m
the only one supporting my child
and in terms of taking care of my
child it’s a bit easy.)
PO7: “Dim ammo nu pangalam ti pang
gatas mo kasjay, kin tapos ket
kasla ajay mabain ka met ti
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nagannak mo nga Siyempre umasasa

nak, kin siyempre nu pinasok mo
ajay nga stado a ke dapat ready
kan kin agpamilya ka garuden
siyrempre hanmo kuma iaasa ti
nagannak mon ajay ti nagrigat.”
(That is when you do not know where
you will get money to provide milk
to your child. Another is I’m
ashamed of my parents because I’m
depending on them. And of course
if you chose to enter this kind of
situation you must be ready
already to provide for your own
family and you must not depend on
your family anymore because you
already have your own family to
provide.) PO5: “Yun po, uhm
mahirap pong mag adjust kasi mga
puyat mga sleepless nights po
ganunn.” (That it is hard to
adjust, because of the sleepless
nights.)

Teens everywhere have to deal with a variety of difficult choices

and issues, thus the second cluster is Defying family and community

criticism since it feels like everyone is against them and that they

are on their own. Families and the community at large reacted to the

pregnancy in a variety of ways, from anger and disappointment to

abandonment, the quiet treatment, acceptance, and forgiveness. Teenage

pregnancy is typically unanticipated, and as a result, different people

react to it. The teen must adjust to the sudden demands of adulthood

and, in some situations, may also have to deal with the rejection and

discontent of close family members, friends, and classmates. While some

partners of adolescent mothers were content and supportive during their

pregnancies, others were in denial and rejected them and the child.

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

Teenage pregnancy is typically unplanned, and as a result, people

react differently to the experience. The adolescent must deal with the

unexpected demands of adulthood, as well as the disapproval and

dissatisfaction expressed by significant others such as parents and

relatives. Several studies found that teenage mothers felt sad,

disappointed, shocked, and depressed after their pregnancies were

confirmed. According to a study conducted by Parekh and De la Rey

(1997), most teenagers initially denied the pregnancy before informing

their parents, who, in most cases, received the news with anger and

disappointment. The following quote from a study by Kaplan (1996)

demonstrates some of the typical reactions of parents of teenage

mothers: She asked me if I was going to keep it [baby], who the father

was, and where I was going to live. I told her that I was staying. And

she inquired, "How do you know I want you here?" I've already raised my

children. Some of the participants in Mpetshwa‟s (2000) study reported

having experienced a lot of ill treatment from their family members,

especially their parents who felt betrayed by their children falling

pregnant. It is evident from the above studies that confirmation of

pregnancy in the case of a teenager triggers different negative

reactions by the teenagers and their significant others. In most cases

the teenager concerned and her family find it difficult to accept the

pregnancy. It is these negative responses to the pregnancy that could

lead toSocial rejection, on the other hand, means that others have

little incentive to accept you into their friendships and communities

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

(Leary, 2010). The likelihood that an adolescent mother's life and goals

are adversely affected is reduced by an accepting and supportive

attitude towards her mother (Hermann, 2006).

PO6: “Maysa pay nga pagsubok ko

idi nagsina kami kin boyfriend ko,
nagrigat lalo nu kasinsina yo ket
adda sigud na. ajay ti hanko
matanggap idi. Ngem idi pinanawan
na kami ket agmaysa bulan tay anak
ko agasem man ajay.” (Another
challenge is when I get separated
from my partner, it is hard
especially when we were just
separated and he already has
another woman. I cannot accept
that during that time. He left
when my child was nearly a month
old.)
PO7: “Siyempre sa tutuusin ket
anya la maibagbaga dagiti
kaklasmeyt mi idi barkada kon
nagsyaat met atuyen hanko met.
Panpanunutek met idi ke napatpateg
jay anak ko. Baba yak lattan idin
ta siyempre kunak garud ke han
kayo kuma met agdildillaw ta han
yo met ammo nu inya iti masakbayan
yo kasjay ti inbagak kanyada. Su
ajay bay bayak lattan idin nu ana
maibag baga da.” (There are the
side comments of my friends and
classmates about me, but I just
thought about my child thet she is
more important. I just let them
say whatever they want to say, and
I just said that maybe they must
not say something like that
because we don’t know the future.
I just ignore their words.

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Table 03: COPING TO CHALLENGES

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM CLUSTER THEMES EMERGENT THEMES

CODES

Family support Plenty support system ENHANCE

Caring friends and CONNECTIONS
classmates
Good communication
Facing it whole-
Heartedly
Concerned siblings
Parental guidance

Pray to god Strengthening faith

Have faith

Pregnancy is a very important time for women who need social and

emotional support. Especially when a woman gets pregnant in her teenage

years when her overall development is immature, a time when women are

very vulnerable. Improving the connection with God and their family and

friends is a coping mechanism for respondents. They rely on them to

help them deal with their situation and coordinate the necessary

actions. Social support reduces stressors and improves the emotional

and physical health of pregnant women.

In order to manage the stresses of adolescent growth and maternal

responsibilities, many adolescent moms may benefit from social aid

(Hess, Papas, & Black, 2002). Social support has been demonstrated to

improve parents' health while also assisting parents in coping with the

demands of parenthood (Letourneau, Stewart, & Barnfather, 2004). To

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discover the relevance and importance of spirituality in the lives of

130 pregnant teenage women. A study of how spirituality positively

impacted her pregnancy is described. In a content analysis of those who

responded positively, the data identified six her themes that explained

the importance of beliefs or spirituality during pregnancy. (a) Advice

and Assistance. (b) protect, bless or reward; (c) Communication with

God. (d) Strength and confidence. (e) help with difficult moral

decisions; (f) General Beneficial Effects. These findings demonstrate

the importance of addressing spirituality as a resource during pregnancy

and are to further explore the importance of spirituality during

pregnancy for those who value spirituality. (Journal of Holistic nursing

25 (3),

151-158, 2007)
This cluster theme explains that one of the coping mechanisms of

the respondents during their transition to motherhood was relying on

their family and friends. They shared their thoughts and how they felt

and listened to the advice they gave to them. With this kind of coping

mechanism they are relieved from anxiety and stress that may later have

an impact on them and to their children.

There is evidence that some adolescent mothers may use their teen

pregnancy and motherhood experiences as motivation to complete their

education so that they and their child can have a better future. One of

these experiences is social support, which is defined as "a coping

resource that may be called upon to promote resiliency and cope with

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the responsibilities of new motherhood" (Letourneau, Stewart, &

Barnfather, 2004, p. 515). There are several ways to support the

programs, including through family, peers, support materials, and

intervention-enabling circumstances (Hess, Papas, & Black, 2002;

Letourneau, Stewart, & Barnfather, 2004). Social support has been

demonstrated to improve parents' health while also assisting parents in

coping with the demands of parenthood (Letourneau, Stewart, &

Barnfather, 2004). Teenage mothers may exhibit greater resiliency due

to improved social support from friends, family, school, and the

community as well as a change in their hopes and goals as they enter

adulthood, leading to more concrete educational and professional

objectives (Camarena, Minor, Melmer, & Ferrie, 1998;

Smithbattle, 2007).

PO3: “With the help of my

classmates and friends ko naman po
naovercome ko naman po yung silent
battle ko.”(My friends and
classmates helped me get through
that.) PO5: “uhm, hinarap ko po
ito ng buo, kasama narin po iyong
mga sinasabi/advice ng mga
magulang at kaibigan.”(I faced it
wholeheartedly, together with my
parents and friend’s advices.)
PO8: “Tinulungan ako ng aking
magulang tinuruan kung paano mag
alaga tapos di naman ako
pinapabayaan ng aking magulang at
lumapit ako sa Diyos at nagdasal
ako na tulungan mo po ako para
harapin ang mga pagsubok sa buhay
bilang isang pagiging ina.”(My
parents taught me to take care of
my baby, they did not neglect me

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and ask help from above, I prayed

to God to help me overcome all the
struggles of being a teenage
mother.)

Seeking spiritual support was the other way of coping mechanism by

the respondents. As they adapt to the world of motherhood, they face

criticism and judgments. Asking support and guidance to God was their

way to deal with their problems and to lessen the stress and pressure

they feel.

In a study about coping mechanisms of expectant and parenting

mothers conducted in Zambia with 27 respondents, both adaptive and

maladaptive approaches have been described as a means of coping,

including fending off depression, helping family, friends, and other

members of the community, confessing one's sins to God, focusing on the

future of one's own and the child, and denying pregnancy or maternity.

Conclusion: Due to unfulfilled requirements related to adolescence and

childbearing, pregnant and parenting teenagers experienced a variety of

unfavorable interactions as they transitioned from youth to adulthood

and motherhood (Mumba Lombe et. al, 2018).

PO1: “Ano lang kay God, siyempre

nagpre pray lang po kay God nilalagay
ko lang lahat ng hamon kay God tapos
si baby. Si baby yung nagiging lakas
ko kapag sobrang pagod nako sukong
suko nako si baby nalang. Parang yung
minsan gabi gabi umiiyak ako gusto ko
nalang na gusto ko nalang mawala. Pero
naiisip ko may baby pala ako e. araw
araw may depression ako pero
nilalabanan ko kasi may baby ako yun
po.” (Of course, I just prayed to God,

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I just put all the challenges to God

and then the baby. My baby is my
strength, when I'm so very tired, I
just think of my baby. It's like when
sometimes I cry every night, I just
want to disappear. But I always think
I have a baby. I have depression every
day but I fight it because I have a
baby. that's all.)
PO2: “Pray lang, sige lang sa hamon
ng buhay dahil hindi mo naman ito
matatakasan alangan naman na
ipalaglag ko blessing yun. Tsaka sa
tulong po ng mga magulang ko sila yung
tumulong sa akin noong buntis ako.”
(Keep on praying. That's how life is,
just go on with life's challenges
because you can’t escape it. I didn't
want to abort because for me he/she
is a blessing. I am grateful my
parents are there for me when I was
pregnant.)
PO7: “Agkarkararag nak lang kasjay,
nga italek ko latta kanyanan nga hanna
kami baybayan uray nagsina kami ajay
ama ti anak kon ket inkarkararag ko
lattan nga hanna kami baybay an. Adda
met da mamang nga sumop suporta nu
agkurkurang kasjay.”(I’m just
praying, having faith in our Lord that
he will not let us suffer even though
I got separated from the father of my
child I still pray to the lord to look
into us. And I still have my
supportive parents in time of
crisis.)

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Table 04: LESSONS LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCES

STATEMENT OF THE CLUSTER THEMES EMERGENT THEMES

PROBLEM CODES

Transition to motherhood GREAT

Giving birth and labor
RESPONSIBILITY
Giving birth
Pregnancy

Bullying Bullying and social

Discrimination discrimination

Obey parents Strengthening communication

Approach parents in with love ones
any problems
Do not seek attention
to others
Prioritize studies

Think before you act Hardship of teenage

Don't rebel parenting
Avoid early marriage
Maternal difficulties

Teenage mothers have faced many challenges and struggles in their

lives, and they have learned that being a mother is not easy. Parenting

as a teenager comes with great responsibilities, including properly

caring for your baby, dealing with people's critical attitudes, and

completing education. Our respondents stated that they learned finishing

school or prioritizing college is essential, strengthening

relationships with parents, learning to be responsible and making

decisions were very important.

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Teenage Pregnancy remains a major challenge in both developed and

developing countries. Premature and unwanted pregnancies among

adolescents have adverse health, educational, social and economic

consequences. (Joyce N. Mummer, 2019)

Social rejection, on the other hand, means that others have little

incentive to accept you into their friendships and communities (Leary,

2010). The likelihood that an adolescent mother's life and goals are

adversely affected is reduced by an accepting and supportive attitude

towards her mother (Hermann, 2006).

According to (Mercy and Adunola) argued that immediate family

influences decisions to remain sexually abstinent or become sexually

active. They added that the lack of relationships with parents and the

lack of information about sexual issues allowed outside forces to become

sexually active. Because most parents work to meet the needs of their

families, they rarely discuss sex education with their children.

Adolescents transition to teenage motherhood,The first stage is

confirmed pregnancy to childbirth. Experiencing fear,

denial, shock,Difficulties from labor and guilt, but some of them feel

happy when they hear their baby's first cry.

According to the International Journal of Nursing Science, 2019

Women are more vulnerable and face tremendous challenges in the

transition to motherhood. This is exacerbated for young mothers, and

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

research shows that growing mothers experience the burden of

responsibility as they become mothers.

PO1: "Noong naipanganak ko yung

baby noong narinig ko yung unang
iyak niya yon hindi ko
makakalimutan.” (Giving birth, I
labored for 9 hours and it was very
painful. I just wanted to lie
down; I also wanted to lie on the
cold floor. Then when I gave birth
to the baby when I heard his first
cry that is the moment I will never
forget.)
PO3: "Ang hindi ko makakalimutan
is ano ay yung araw na nagpa
ultrasound na ko at naconfirm ko
nga nabuntis na ko then kahit na
pumasok ako tulala ako sa school
at bigla bigla nalang iiyak tapos
the guilt is too much kaya hindi
ko rin alam kung anong gagawin ko
tapos nasira rin po yung
relationship ko with my mother
ilang buwan niya rin akong hindi
kinausap tapos si papa tinakwil
niya ko sa bahay since noong
nalaman na buntis ako nag stay na
po ako sa mga in laws ko hanggang
ngayon pero ok na po kami ngayon
ng mga magulang ko.”(The day I
won't forget is the day that I got
an ultrasound and confirmed that I
am pregnant. Even though I went to
school I was absent minded and
always cried. I didn't know what
to do. My mother didn't talk to me
for months. My father didn't
permit me to go home so I stayed
at my mother in law's house but
now we are OK with each other.)
PO6: “Adjay lang talaga kwa jay
aglabor ka lang talaga adjay kuma
kayam mu nga aramiden isu lang
kayat mu nga aramiden kasjay nu
madim kaya madim lattan kasjay

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lang, makasangit dim ammu nu anya

ububraem nu idi aglabor nakon
kayat ku ulyen idi kwa idin tapnu
maikkat lang sakit na adjay lang
talaga ti pinaka memorable ku
kasta nga talaga. Ay sobra ti
kastak sobra met ti ayat ku a ta
syempre dinaladalam iti 9 months
tapos finally makitam met lang
masilayam met langen adjay
kinarkargam iti 9 months kasla ka
pay ma kwaan nu makitam iti anak
mu.”(The most memorable experience
during my pregnancy is laboring,
those things that I can do that's
the only things I will do. If I
can't do it. I wouldnt do it. It's
tearful when you dont know what to
do. When I experience labor I want
to climb everywhere to get rid of
the pain and when I deliver my baby
I am very happy because I carried
it in my womb for 9 months and
finally I saw her.)
PO8: "Hindi ko rin po makalimutan
yung paglabas ng baby ko kasi yun
yung una na di ko maipaliwanag
yung nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko
mapaliwanag kung masaya ba ko mix
emotion.”(I can't forget when my
baby came out because that was the
first time I couldn't explain my
feelings. I can't explain if I'm
happy, mix emotion.)

Teenage pregnancy is defined not only as an experience of physical

body changes but also as the embodiment of social norms, discourses,

conflict, and moral judgment. There is growing concern about the

psychosocial challenges that adolescent mothers face. Many of them have

been bullied and discriminated against by society, family and friends.

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According to Mpetshwa findings, focusing on seven teenage mothers

found that community members tended to have a wide range of negative

reactions to pregnant teenagers. Some members of the community were

more shocked, while others gossiped about the teens' parents. was even

refused. For many of her teenage parents, a variety of environmental

and behavioral risks contribute to the upbringing of their children.

PO4: “Unang una po si yung

pambubully, yun lang naman po.
Hindi naman po nahirapan manganak,
hindi wala rin po akong
pinaglihian, mainit din po ulo ko
pero minsan minsan lang po.”(First
of all, when I deal with bullying,
that's all. I didnt have any
difficulties when I delivered my
baby, and also during my pregnancy
but once in a while I'm cranky.)
PO5: “Marami po, pero iyong minsan
po napapadaan kami sa labas, halos
lahat ng tao nakatingin sa amin.
Minsan din po, may nakasalubong
din kaming mga teachers namin
noon. Pero never kong ikinahiya
iyong nangyari sa amin.” (A lot,
but one time when we passed by
outside, most of the people there
were staring at us.
Sometimes, we bump into our old
teachers but I am never ashamed of
what happened to us.)
PO8: “Siguro yung pangungutya ng
mga tao. Yung pinagtsitsimisan
parang hindi nagaral yung ginagawa
ko. Nakipagligawan o bf lang
ganun."(Maybe it's people's
ridicule. They gossip about ita
like I didn't study. dating or
just having boyfriend like that.)

This focuses on the important changes arising in the context of

pregnancy and motherhood. The teenage mothers realized that it is

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important to communicate their needs and problems to their parents,

prioritize studies and don't seek attention from others. Most of them

also learned that obeying their parents prevents them from getting into

the wrong course of life.

Parents played an important role in shaping their children's values

as a result of their relationship with each other. Parents' beliefs,

feelings, principles, and behaviors can be passed on to their children.

improved parent-child relationship quality significantly reduced the

likelihood of female participants being ambivalent about their

pregnancy. (Grissete)

PO2:"Sundin ang mga

magulang"(Always trust and follow
your parents)
PO3:“Kung kailangan mo ng atensyon
ng parents mo ng ganun katindi,
siguro kailangan mo lang silang i
approach knowing parents kasi
ngayong alam ko na ngayong
magulang na ko mahirap talagang
hatiin ang oras mo para sa sarili
mo, para sa anak mo, pagkita ng
pera and lalo na sakin sa pag aaral
kaya kung kailangan mo ng ganung
katinding oras at atensyon ng
pamilya mo I approach sila and
huwag mong hanapin yung atensyon
na hindi nila naibibigay kasi sa
sooner or later ay pagsisihan mo
yun. May mga bagay kang
makakalimutan, at may mga bagay na
hindi mo magagawa dahil dun.” (If
you want the attention of your
parents, just approach them and
tell them how you feel because now
I know that managing time for
yourself and your children is very
hard especially when you are
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MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

trying to earn money and trying to

study, just approach your parents.
Don't seek the attention you crave
from them into others because in
the end you will regret it. There
are things you will forget and
things you cannot do because of
it.)
PO4: "Ang gusto ko lang sabihin sa
mga kabataan ngayon is mag-aral
muna sila. Mas maganda pag yung
parents nila sundin nila yung
sinasabi ng parents nila kasi
makakabuti talaga yun hindi dahil
strict sila magrerebelde kana
hindi yun tama kasi gusto lang
naman ng parents natin na
makakabuti yung kaya sila nagiging
strict sa atin kasi para sa atin
din yun tapos masasabi ko pa mag
focus muna na lang muna sila sa
pag aaral kahit maraming boys dyan
na nagpapakilig sa kanila or nag
se set ng commitment hayaan na
muna nila yon kasi yung love
makakapag-antay for the right
time.”(I wanted to tell all youth
that they should prioritize their
studies first. To obey their
parents because parents know what
is best for their children, if
they are strict it’s not right to
be rebellious, it is because they
only want what is best for us. They
should focus first in their
studies and don’t mind the boys or
even their words of commitment,
ignore them because love can wait
for the right time.)
PO6: “Ti maibagak lang ket mayat
ti agbalasang nu ma ipapas mu. Ti
kayat ku lang met nga I share ket
agbasa nga masayaat tapnu iti
kasta ket matungtong tayo iti
kayat tayo ta haan tayu nga
magrigrigat narigat nga agbirok ti
trabahu lalo nu di ka nakagradwar
narigat ti awan adal na lalo nu
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agpamilya kan syempre nu haan ka

nakaadal awan met nasayaat nga
trabahu I share ku lang nga agbasa
nga nasayaat tapnu ti kasta kht
maka graduar makaala ti napintas
nga trabaho tapnu han marigatan t
biag.”(All I can say is that it's
good to be a maiden, especially
when you enjoy it. I just want to
share or give a lesson to everyone
that you must study hard so that
you can achieve what you want in
life and it will not be difficult
to find a job. It's hard if you’re
not graduated, especially if you
have your own family because if
you don't graduate there's no good
job either. Again, study hard so
that it is easy for you to have a
good job.)
PO8: "Mag-aral muna kayo habang
may pagasa kayong makapagaral para
balang araw makakahanap kayo ng
magandang trabaho para sa inyong
pamilya. Sabi nga nila think
before you click.” (Study first
while you still have the chance to
continue your studies so that in
the future you will get into nice
job for your family. As they say
think first before you click.)

It focuses on lessons learned from their experiences. Struggling

as parents, they faced the consequences of what they had done, including

new roles, increased expenses, heavy responsibilities, and maternal

difficulties. They recommend that young people who make studying a

priority, think about their actions, DO not rebel and rush in love.

Young people who face motherhood in their teens may experience a

conflict between their new motherhood and their teenage needs. Early

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motherhood experiences are contextual and influenced by the culture and

society in which the teen/woman lives (Moore, Miller et al. 1995).

Teenage pregnancy also affects a girl’s educational and earning

potential. Many girls are forced to drop out of school, ultimately

jeopardizing their futures and economic prospects (UNFPA).

PO1: “Yung ano wag hahayaan na yung

pagrerebelde yung nangunguna ang
dapat isipin na lang muna nila
isipin muna natin yung bawat kilos
may consequences. isang maling
kilos mo lang mabigat na
consequences yung kapalit niya
kaya bilang teenage mom gusto ko
sa mga teenagers ngayon lalo na’t
siyempre napag daanan ko rin yung
pagiging marupok ganon nalang wag
nalang puro ano iniisip. "(Don’t
let rebellion take the lead, they
should just think first, let's
think first that every action has
consequences. just a wrong move of
yours a serious consequence is the
change, so as a teenage mom, I like
teenagers now to know, especially
since of course I’ve also gone
through being fragile, so just
don’t focus on rashness
and incontinence.)
PO2: "huwag mag asawa ng maaga kasi
mahirap ito lalo na kung walang ka
pang sapat na kaalaman para mag-
alaga ng bata at wala rin sapat ng
pera na pangtustos sa anak"(Don't
get married early. Life is hard;
taking care of a baby is not an
easy thing especially when you do
not have enough knowledge and
money to buy everything, she/he
needs.)
PO4: “Yung una po natutunan ko,
hindi pala madaling ang magkaroon
ng family at the age of 18 ganon
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or less then lalo na pag wala yung

mama mo dito na tutulong sa iyo
yung kayo kayo lang mahirap talaga
doon mo ma re realize na mahirap
magpalaki ng bata, mahirap
magkaroon ng pamilya, mahirap kung
saan kikitain ang pera, mahirap as
in mahirap na mahirap. Hmmm,
Ultimo self mo hindi mo siya
maalagaan, hindi kana rin makapag
suklay puro na lang sa baby, sa
family, sa gawaing bahay. "(First
is, it’s not easy to have your own
family at the age of 18 or even
younger especially when your
mother is not around to help or
guide you. It is really hard when
you do it by yourself. At that
point you will realize that it is
not easy to raise a child, it’s
hard to have your family when
you’re not ready, it’s not easy to
find money, and it’s really hard.
You can’t even take care of
yourself already, not even to
brush your own hair, all your time
and attention is focused only on
the baby.) PO5: “Marami po akong
mga aral na natutunan, pero ito
nalang po iyong sasabihin ko.
Mahirap po maging isang batang
ina, pero at the same time
napakasaya kasi nakikita mo iyong
anak mo na bunga ng pagkakamali
mo. Uhm maraming mga pagsubok ang
mapagdadaanan mo, pero worth it
lahat ng iyon kasi may anak ka sa
tabi mo na alam mong nagmamahal
sayo. Hindi ko naman sinasabi na
mag asawa na kayo, pero iba din
talaga kapag nakapag tapos kana
mas magandang mag aral muna bago
mag asawa.” (I have learned a lot,
but this is all I'm going to
share/say. It is hard to be a young
mother/teenage mother, but at the
same time it is very happy because

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you can see your baby which is the

result of your mistake. You will
face a lot of challenges, but it
is all worth it. Because you have
your baby next to you, which you
know loves you very much. I'm not
saying that you must get married
now, because it is still different
if you already finished your
studies, it is still the best to
study first before getting
married/having your own family.)
PO7: “Ajay lang, ajay dapat nu
agaramid da ti desisyon ket
hanlang nga mamin sangapulo da nga
panunuten dapat mamin sangaribo.
Kin maysa nga banag nu, once nga
inaramid mo takderam han mo nga
ipaikkat dapat takderan da. Kin
maysa handa kuma paylang agay ayat
ti pirme kasi nu once nga mainlove
ka ti pirme hanka makaadal nu
kasjay. Dapat ket agibati ka latta
ti sarilim tapnu hanka maibusan
pagdating ti panahon kasjay lang.”
(If they will make a decision in
life, they should not just think
ten times, but they should think
for a thousand times rather. And
another thing, once you’ve done
something, take a stand on it. Do
not try to get rid of your problems
in a convenient way, instead be
responsible and take a stand. Last
thing doesn’t fall in love too
much. Because once you fall in
love deeply, you will not be able
to finish your studies. You must
learn how to spare love for
yourself, for you not to feel
empty when the time comes.)

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Table 05: OUTCOMES OF EARLY PREGNANCY

STATEMENT OF THE
PROBLEM CODES CLUSTER THEMES EMERGENT THEMES

Good mother Acceptance of YOUNG MOTHER'S

Full time mother parenting role ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Social appearance and Personal concept of

behavior self
Flexible
Hardworking

Motherhood is a vital and crucial component in every woman's life

and is seen as being essential to a woman's identity. But It has been

determined that teenage motherhood, which occurs at a crucial

developmental moment in teens' lives, has negative social and health

effects. However, as was evident from our respondents' interviews, they

recognized their obligations and accepted the costs of their acts.

Nevertheless, they chose to take a stand in the most important life

decisions because they had a positive perspective of themselves and

acknowledged their parental responsibilities. Thus this theme explains

that teenage mothers after giving birth still have a positive perception

of themselves.

They are proud to describe themselves, accept their flaws and face

all their consequences, they believe that they are unique, and did not
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feel that they are less human even at the young age they became a

mother.

Future healthcare interventions for adolescent mothers during the

transitional period should aim to provide social support and the

increased ability of adolescent mothers to manage the physical and

psychological challenges of young motherhood and enhance new mothers'

knowledge about caring for babies. (Lisa McKenna, et. al, 2019)

Contemporary conceptions of self-esteem emphasize the person’s

acceptance by self and others, the evaluation of performance, social

comparison, and the efficacy of individual action as the important roots

of self-esteem. The discourse of self-esteem enables the person’s

understanding of individuality versus community, striving for success

versus self-acceptance, or the quest for happiness as a future state

versus contentment with one’s present lot.

In terms of subsequent research, there is evidence that some

adolescent mothers may use their teen pregnancy and motherhood

experiences as motivation to complete their education so that they and

their child can have a better future. One of these experiences is social

support, which is defined as "a coping resource that may be called upon

to promote resiliency and cope with the responsibilities of new

motherhood" (Letourneau, Stewart, & Barnfather, 2004, p.

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515). Spear (2004) conducted a 12-year follow-up study with two

adolescent mothers to see if their views on early childbearing had

changed since the previous study.

Acceptance of a parenting role is one of the most difficult

decisions a teenage mother can make. The changes that they have to

sacrifice in order to play their new role as a parent. Young mothers

had the difficulty meeting all their responsibili-ties and transition

in becoming a mother; hence they are still incapable and unstable

emotionally, mentally and physically. But behind all these difficulties,

they accepted their parenting role, embraced motherhood and took actions

in nurturing their little one, as was shown in the responses of our

respondents they took responsibility for their actions.

One of these experiences is social support, which is defined as "a

coping resource that may be called upon to promote resiliency and cope

with the responsibilities of new motherhood" (Letourneau, Stewart, &

Barnfather, 2004, p. 515). There are several ways to support the

programs, including through family, peers, support materials, and

intervention-enabling circumstances (Hess, Papas, & Black, 2002;

Letourneau, Stewart, & Barnfather, 2004). Social support has been

demonstrated to improve parents' health while also assisting parents in

coping with the demands of parenthood (Letourneau, Stewart, &

Barnfather, 2004). Teenage mothers may exhibit greater resiliency due

to improved social support from friends, family, school, and the

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community as well as a change in their hopes and goals as they enter

adulthood, leading to more concrete educational and professional

objectives (Camarena, Minor, Melmer, & Ferrie, 1998; Smithbattle, 2007).

PO1: “Maano akong mother ano to…

mabait akong mother, ako ay
maalalahanin sa aking 1 year old
na anak. siya ay baby boy” (In
terms of being a mother, I am a
caring mother. I have a baby boy
and he is already One year old.)
PO2: “Uhm sa ngayon po isa akong
full time mom and kasama ko po
iyong boyfriend ko sa pagtataguyod
sa aming kaisa isang anak. Uhm
upang mas maalagaan siya ng mabuti
napag desisyonan kong huminto muna
sa pagaaral pero papasok narin po
ako this next school year.” (For
now, I'm a full time mom and I'm
with my boyfriend in supporting
our only child. I decided to stop
studying for a while to take care
of my baby, but I will continue my
studies this next school year.)
PO6: “Bilang isang batang ina
masasabi kong mahirap kasi
napapabayaan ko ang aking sarili
pati nga ang pagligo di ko magawa
pati ang pagsusuklay. Hindi ko
naayos ang aking sarili gigising
ako sa hating gabi para magtimpla
ng gatas ng baby ko at gigising
ako ng maaga sobrang hirap talaga
maging isang maagang ina pero
worth it kasi naalis ang pagod
kapag nakikita ko ang aking anak.
Ugali ko bilang isa ina ay Mabuti
naman po ako, kulot po, mataba,
matangkad, mabait naman po ako.”
(As a teenage mother, it is really
hard because you are neglecting
yourself already, you dont have
time to take a bath and brush my
hair. I can’t fix myself, and I
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need to wake up in the middle of

the night to make milk for my baby,
then I still need to wake up early.
It is really hard to become a
mother, but it's all worth it when
I look at my child because he
removes all my tiredness. As a
mother I’m a good one, I have curly
hair, fat, tall, and kind too.)

Positive self view is an important aspect in becoming a good

teenage parent, knowing their good traits and characteristics are

helpful in becoming young mothers. These personal concepts of themselves

are vital to boost their self esteem and eventually their confidence,

which help them to become a good mother and accept their role as

teenage mothers. The young mothers talked positively about having

children and discussed how it had changed their lives. Given that they

now had a child to care for which helped them in becoming good mothers

and gave them the motivation to change direction and think about

pursuing their studies and keep going in life, but needed to do something

new for a good future for their children. They understood that when

their kids grew older, they were still young enough to pursue more study

or different career paths.

Early motherhood experiences are contextual and influenced by the

culture and society in which the teen/woman lives (Moore, Miller et al.

1995).Contemporary conceptions of self-esteem emphasize the person’s

acceptance by self and others, the evaluation of performance, social

comparison, and the efficacy of individual action as the important roots

of self-esteem. The discourse of self-esteem enables the person’s

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

understanding of individuality versus community, striving for success

versus self-acceptance, or the quest for happiness as a future state

versus contentment with one’s present lot.

P01: “Sa panlabas na anyo ano ako

payat, medyo maitim, tapos hindi
ako masyadong mapag ayos sa sarili
ko. Tapos sa panloob naman mabait
ako, minsan lang nagsusungit din.
Maano akong mother ano to...
mabait akong mother.” (In terms of
my external appearance, I am
skinny, slightly tanned and I’m
not fond of grooming myself too
much and then in terms of internal
characteristics, I am kind but
sometimes I am a snob too. In terms
of being a mother, I am a caring
mother. I have a baby boy and he
is already One year old.)
PO2: “Noon mahirap dahil bata pa
kami wala pa kami sa tamang edad
para mag trabaho sa ngayon naman
hindi ko kasama ang anak ko.”
(That's when we were younger we
weren't at the right age to work,
right now I wasn't with my son.)
PO3: “Pag appearance po, singkit
uhmm chinita, tapos medyo mahaba
yung buhok, slim tapos sa ugali po
medyo mabait depende sa taong
kausap ko tapos parang regular
lady lang din po.” (In my
appearance, Chinky, my hair is
slightly long, and slim. Then in
my behavior I'm kind depending on
the people I talked to. Then
similar to the regular/normal
lady.) PO4: “Nangisit, naggaget,
madiskarte, maasahan kasjay lang
ken kwa met kasjay lang ading…” (I
have a dark skin complexion, I'm
diligent, good when it comes to
strategy and a reliable person.)
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PO5: “Nasingpet, medyo mataray,

nagaget, napudaw, bassit.” (I am
kind, a bit brat, and hardworking.
I’m a petite and have a fair skin
complexion.)
PO6: “Bilang isang batang ina
masasabi kong mahirap kasi
napapabayaan ko ang aking sarili
pati nga ang pagligo di ko magawa
pati ang pagsusuklay. Hindi ko
naayos ang aking sarili gigising
ako sa hating gabi para magtimpla
ng gatas ng baby ko at gigising
ako ng maaga sobrang hirap talaga
maging isang maagang ina pero
worth it kasi naalis ang pagod
kapag nakikita ko ang aking anak.
Ugali ko bilang isa ina ay Mabuti
naman po ako, kulot po, mataba,
matangkad, mabait naman po ako.”
(As a teenage mother, it is really
hard because you are neglecting
yourself already, you dont have
time to take a bath and even brush
my hair. I can’t fix myself, and I
need to wake up in the middle of
the night to make milk for my baby,
then I still need to wake up early.
It is really hard to become a
mother, but it's all worth it when
I look at my child because he
removes all my tiredness. As a
mother I’m a good one, I have curly
hair, fat, tall, and kind too.)

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Figure 2: CENTRAL PHENOMENON “PREGY”(Personal issues, Rough adjustment,

Enhance connections, Great responsibility, Young mother’s
acknowledgement)

Through careful analysis of the research results, it was found

that the teenage mothers of Centro 3, Lasam Cagayan, dealt with

different personal issues in their lives that influence them to engage

in early sexual activity. Teenagers’ personal dilemma such as having a

poor relationship with their parents, being in a bad circle of friends,

lack of financial resources, and inability to study are the main reasons

we found that has the biggest contribution in our teenage mother’s

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situation. Poor parent and child relationship has a great contribution

to the early pregnancy of our respondents in this study. Teenagers is

the most vulnerable age group as adolescence is very curious and didn’t

hesitate to try new things, without guidance and good communication

with their parents they are vulnerable to peer influence. Parental

guidance and involvement prevent the likelihood of becoming a teenage

mother. Most of our respondents found comfort from their friends which

taught them to engage in a certain thing without their parent’s

awareness. Lack of parental guidance and financial support makes

teenagers more susceptible to dropping out from school thus preventing

them in achieving their dreams.

Variety of physical, psychological, emotional and social

challenges was experienced by the respondents. Teen mothers are less

likely to complete school after an early pregnancy. A woman must balance

personal desires with general concerns about her child's welfare during

the major life transition of motherhood. The best time to become

pregnant is when a woman is physically, emotionally, spiritually, and

financially prepared, which adolescent mothers are clearly not. Many

adjustments must be made by new mothers, including physiological,

sociological, and financial ones. Because a teen pregnancy is usually

unplanned, people react differently to the experience. Teen moms forced

to confront their enormous responsibilities as a young parent have

stripped them of their social lives, being a teen mom can be difficult

and a number of participants talked about being criticized by society.

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

Early motherhood is often marred by feelings of loss and not getting a

good job. The adolescent must deal with adulthood's unexpected demands,

as well as the disapproval and dissatisfaction expressed by significant

others such as parents and relatives.

One of respondents' coping mechanisms during the transition to

motherhood was to rely on family and friends. They share their thoughts

and feelings and listen to the advice they give. As shown on the figure

above teenage mothers rely on their loved ones for support. Their family

serves as their source of strength to continue their lives. They

strengthen their faith as God gave our respondent’s hope to overcome

the challenges they been through. Seeking emotional support was another

respondent's coping mechanism. As they adjust to the world of

motherhood, they face criticism and judgment. Asking God for support

and guidance is how they deal with problems and relieve the stress and

pressure they feel. They have learned to strengthen family relationships

through family development sessions as a way to prevent conflicts as

well as the possibility of early teenage pregnancy.

Teenage mothers have a Great Responsibility. They had to give up

sleep, money, and time. Many adolescent mothers go through abrupt

lifestyle changes. One of the most important responsibilities of a teen

mother is to be able to raise their child safely in a healthy and

peaceful environment. Provide food, clothing, shelter, and medical

attention. Second, how she responds to other people's judgments, or how

she acts in all situations, particularly social criticism. In any

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

situation, they must remain calm and think more maturely as parents.

Discrimination motivates them to be stronger rather than depressed.

Finally, through their experiences they learned the importance of

education and to strengthen communication and relationships with parents

because they are the ones who provide financial and emotional support.

They emphasize to always obey your parents for you to have a better

future.

Every woman's life has their own identity, and some revolves around

motherhood, which is viewed as being essential to a woman's existence.

Moreover, it has been demonstrated that teen motherhood, which happens

at a crucial stage in life development, has detrimental social and

health impacts. However, as was clear from the interviews with our

respondents, they understood their responsibilities and accepted the

price for their actions. Since they had a positive self-perception and

recognized their parenting duties, they made the decision to stand their

ground in the most crucial life decisions.

We, as researchers, therefore, conclude that the lived experiences

of teenage mothers of Centro 3 Lasam Cagayan is difficult and a serious

matter, Despite the difficulties and not being prepared of the outcomes

they manage to accept and embrace motherhood that requires great

responsibility, parenting and economic support.

According to Macleod and Durrheim (2003), teenage pregnancy is a

social problem, associated with school disruption, poor obstetric

outcomes, inadequate motherhood, poor child outcomes, and poor

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

relationships with relatives, partners, and peers. Difficulties,

leading to demographic concerns about population growth. Adolescents’

likelihood of having unprotected sex, pregnancy and childbirth are

strongly correlated with several risk factors. These factors included

growing up in a single-parent household, living in a poor and/or high-

poverty neighborhood, poor school attachment and performance, and low

parental education levels (Moore, Miller et al. al. 1995).

The adjustment to parenting is much harder for women because of

their greater vulnerability. Young women are particularly affected by

this, and research demonstrates that growing mothers feel the weight of

duty as they become mothers. (2019's International Journal of Nursing

Science). Due to unfulfilled requirements related to adolescence and

childbearing, pregnant and parenting teenagers experienced a variety of

unfavorable interactions and stress this enlightens them to seek God

for guidance as they transitioned from youth to adulthood and

motherhood. (Mumba Lombe et. al, 2018). Through this type of coping

mechanism, they reduce anxiety and stress that can later affect them

and their children. Social support has been demonstrated to improve

parents' health while also assisting parents in coping with the demands

of parenthood (Letourneau, Stewart, & Barnfather, 2004).

In terms of subsequent research, there is evidence that some

adolescent mothers may use their teen pregnancy and motherhood

experiences as motivation to complete their education so that they and

their child can have a better future. One of these experiences is social

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

support, which is defined as "a coping resource that may be called upon

to promote resiliency and cope with the responsibilities of new

motherhood" (Letourneau, Stewart, & Barnfather, 2004, p. 515).

In light of this, this theme explains why teenage moms who have

recently given birth still maintain a favorable opinion of themselves.

They are confident in how they present themselves, accept their

imperfections and deal with the repercussions. As these young mothers

experienced the transitional period that aim to provide social support

and the increased ability to manage physical and psychological

challenges of young motherhood and enhance new mothers' knowledge about

caring for babies. (Lisa McKenna, et. al, 2019).

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CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the conclusions and recommendations which

were being derived and interpreted after analyzing the result of the

data that were presented in the previous chapter.

Summary of Findings

There are the factors encountered by the teenage mother are lack

of attention and poor communication from their parents, peer pressure,

living in poverty, not attending school and engaging to unprotected

sexual intimacy.

As they entered the stage of motherhood, there were many challenges

they encountered, as a consequence of their early pregnancy. Majority

of the respondents expressed increasing responsibility as one of the

main challenges and described it as several responsibilities, lack of

time and energy, and restriction on spending for self-interests.

Following childbirth, they were faced with a sharp increase in workload.

Therefore, they experienced physical and mental fatigue. Some

experienced bullying and criticism in their community. It was difficult

for them to meet the multiple needs of their child. They experienced

postpartum depression and some weren't able to overcome this situation.

Most of them lack financial support and as they did not continue their

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education and remained unemployed. Some of the teenage mothers in this

study did not receive sufficient support.

As their coping strategies on the challenges in becoming a teenage

mother, most of them receive support from their parents, loved ones and

friends as the option they have in order to survive. Lastly, they also

strengthen their relationship to God as one of the key factors in facing

their life struggles that enabled them to cope adequately with pregnancy

and subsequent motherhood.

Their mistakes taught them so many lessons in life, such as obeying

their parents, listening to their advice and not letting peer pressure

overcome them. They also emphasized prioritizing studies rather than

engaging in early pregnancy. Majority of them advise the younger

generation to think before acting to avoid making wrong decisions in

life.

The outcome of becoming a teenage mother involves being a full

time mom and working hard to provide the needs of their child. Embracing

their role as a mother they learn to be flexible in any circumstances

that they encounter that made them tough. Young mother’s recognized

their obligations and accepted their parenting role.

Conclusion

The researcher concludes that teenage mothers experienced many

physical, psychological, emotional and social challenges. Teenage

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 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF NURSING

mothers have less possibility to finish their studies after engaging to

early pregnancy. Taking care of the baby and providing financial

assistance are challenges they encountered and tried to cope up. Teenage

mothers are force to face their responsibilities as a young mother that

made them lose their social life, being a teenage mother can be difficult

and many participants spoke of having inadequate social support.

Recommendation

This study encourages all teenagers living in Centro 3, Lasam,

Cagayan to read and learn about early pregnancy. This helps them

understand, learn, and recognize the effects and realize of early

intercourse. What her teen has read about being a teen parent isn’t as

great as it sounds. No one wants to be a parent when they are teenagers.

Young people do not have a proper education and some young people do

not know what they want to do with their lives. The study recommends

that governments and other funding bodies identify pregnant women's

needs and provide financial support for vocational training. Teenage

mothers who choose to pursue vocational training must receive seed money

from governments, funding groups, and parents so that they can acquire

the resources they need to start their own businesses. Prioritizing

parent-child conversations can help girls resist sexual temptation.

Schools and community forums should be developed to educate girls about

sexual attraction and reproductive health. Future studies on the same

problem in different locations should use different strategies and cover

larger cohorts of teenage mothers.

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