Abstract:

Adolescence is a vulnerable period with attendant risks of pregnancy and childbirth. Though adolescent motherhood is a global phenomenon, the incidence is more recurrent in the developing nations with inadequate access to maternal care, leading to amplified effects of pregnancy on adolescents. Though there exist fragmented studies on the consequences of adolescent motherhood, there is a need for an up-to-date review that harmonises the known consequences of adolescent motherhood. Objective: This review documents empirical pieces of evidence of the consequences of adolescent motherhood, so as to provide a basis for advocacy for targeted interventions, to reduce adolescent pregnancy. Methods: Structured searches from electronic databases were conducted. The databases include: PubMed, British Medical Journal online, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) complete, Lancet, Academia and Mendeley. Studies included used the qualitative, quantitative and the mixed-method designs. Peer reviewed articles, uploaded thesis, editorial briefs, policy briefs and commentaries were all included in the search. Studies included were either published in English Language or translated by the journal to English Language. Findings: This study included one hundred and four (104) original articles, reviewed literature, commentaries and briefs. It was discovered that many unpalatable experiences and outcomes are associated with adolescent motherhood. These outcomes impact negatively not only on the adolescent mothers and their neonates, but also on their families and the nation at large. Most of these undesirable outcomes affect the health of the mothers and their babies. There are also social and economic consequences of adolescent motherhood. Conclusion: This review concluded that many grave consequences are associated with adolescent parenting. It is therefore necessary to advocate for reduction in the incidence of adolescent pregnancy.