NARRATIVES OF POSTPARTUM WOMEN AT THE EXTREMES OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: PSYCHOSOCIAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES IN HIGH-RISK CARE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/qhdgar15Keywords:
Maternal age, Teenage pregnancy, Late pregnancy, Perinatal outcomesAbstract
Pregnancy at extremes of reproductive age, such as early adolescence and advanced maternal age, represents a risk factor for unfavorable perinatal outcomes and is often associated with social vulnerability and fragility in the care received. Women under 19 or over 35 face psychosocial, biological, and structural barriers in accessing prenatal and delivery care, which can compromise their pregnancy experience and the health of the mother-baby dyad. Thus, this study sought to understand the experiences of pregnant women at the extremes of reproductive age, exploring their care trajectories, perceptions, and perinatal outcomes. This is a qualitative study based on narrative interviews with adolescent and older postpartum women, analyzed using content analysis supported by textual analysis software. Five thematic classes were identified: challenges in high-risk prenatal care; judgments related to maternal age; lack of support from partners; difficulties in childbirth care; and the impact of socioeconomic context on unplanned pregnancies. The narratives revealed emotional suffering, marital abandonment, social inequalities, and institutional fragility. The family support network, especially maternal support, emerged as a protective element, although insufficient given the precariousness of the care provided. This study highlights how essential it is to strengthen primary care with a multidisciplinary approach and public policies that promote equity in maternal and child care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 ALDECIRA UCHOA MONTEIRO RANGEL, MIRNA ALBUQUERQUE FROTA, NILSON VIEIRA PINTO, JARDENIA CHAVES DOMENEGUETTI, MARIANA CAVALCANTE MARTINS , MARIA ELIANE DE PAULO ALBUQUERQUE, ALINE VERAS MORAIS BRILHANTE
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