Consequences of teenage pregnacy on the mother's marital satatus: A pilot study in Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a phenomenon of current interest. It is a socio-demographic experience accompanied by important consequences such as a change in marital status. A descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 15 teenage mothers who gave birth at hospitals in and around Bogotá. Information was obtained on their marital status prior to, during and after the birth of their child, and at present. It showed that most of the women were single before the birth of their first child. Approximately 40% of the women interviewed opted for a common-law or legal marriage during their pregnancy. After the birth of their first child, 53% were united with their partners. At present, 60% of the 15 women interviewed are still with their partners, 33% remain single and a small percentage of them (6.6%) are separated. Moreover, unions among teenagers were found to be mostly long-term, with conjugal stability. The largest percentage of these formal unions is found in the upper socio-economic brackets, where religious marriage is the first option, followed by cohabitation or common-law marriage. Single motherhood predominates in the lower socio-economic brackets. It is recommended that teenage pregnancy not be synonymous with marriage or union among couples. Both parties must be entirely sure and have the mental and emotional maturity to decide who they want and should have as a partner. It also is important bear in mind that the child’s future is at stake.