Learning Objective #1: Discuss young mothers' perceptions of their pregnancy and parenting experiences

Learning Objective #2: Analyze current and potential policy and nursing implications reflecting the perceptions of young mothers

---

Current research studies related to repeat teen pregnacy address the correlate factors associated with, the consequences of, and the interventions and policies intending to prevent or delay subsequent pregnancy during the adolescent years. One vein of research examines the costs and benefits of repeat births to teens and the effectiveness of interventions designed to address these cost benefit equations. Interventions are based largely on the perceptions of adult nurses, advocates working to prevent teen pregnancy, and policy makers. The perceptions of teens are not known and do not currently influence these initiatives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of young mothers. Qualitative methodology provided rich data from a purposive sample about young mothers' aspirations for the future, how they perceive their lives have changed with the birth of the first child, and their beliefs about anticipated aspiration and life changes after the birth of the second child. Sixteen adolescent women from a small, Mid-Atlantic city participated in semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Social exchange theory provided the framework for the researcher-developed tool. The young women's perceptions were inductively organized and analyzed according to the costs, benefits, and neutral components of repeat pregnancy during the teen years. Three theme areas emerged from data analysis and interpretation, being: Looking for or finding a better life, Making a hard life harder, and No big difference in my life. These elements were compared with those in the literature. Developing an understanding of teen mother's perceptions is integral to the design of interventions and policies addressing the issue and bear significance for nursing practice and study. This research provided meaningful data and insights to initiate a related discourse and to inform future initiatives with the goals to prevent or delay repeat pregnancy during the adolescent years.