Young Pregnant Women's Lived Experiences of Social Support

Abstract

Young pregnant women often face social, emotional, and practical challenges that shape their health and wellbeing during pregnancy. This thesis examines how social support influences young women’s lived experiences of pregnancy across different social contexts. A rapid review of qualitative literature is conducted to synthesize findings from studies that centre adolescents’ and young mothers’ own perspectives on support from family, partners, peers, and community at large. The review explores how different forms of support affect emotional wellbeing, stress, and access to care, and how the absence or instability of support contributes to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and vulnerability. By highlighting lived experience, this research displays pregnancy as a socially embedded experience and shows supportive dynamics that promote resilience and positive maternal outcomes. The findings aim to inform policies that strengthen support systems for young pregnant women.