‘It has not ruined my life; it has made my life better’: a qualitative investigation of the experiences and future aspirations of young mothers from the North West of England

Background Teenage pregnancy has been portrayed as problematic and leading to negative long-term health outcomes. However, this assumption has been questioned. This qualitative study explores the experiences and future aspirations of teenage mothers in North West England. Methods Ten in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with teenage mothers recruited from children’s centres located in deprived areas. Results The young mothers felt motherhood was a positive experience, which provided them with a valued social role. Within the communities they lived, they felt well supported. For many of the young mothers, dislike of school had occurred pre-pregnancy and becoming a mother had led the young women to reassess the value of education and employment. However, in common with many older mothers, while their child is young they choose to prioritize motherhood. The young women relied heavily upon family and the support of trusted professionals. Conclusions Motherhood can be a positive experience that makes sense in the lives of young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. To be effective, policy must recognize the valued social role motherhood provides for these young women. The negative long-term outcomes observed may largely be a result of their disadvantaged position within society and this should be the focus of interventions.