The Experiences of Mothers Aged Under 20: Analysis of Growing Up in Scotland Data - Research Findings

Maternal health

Mothers aged under 20 and those in their early twenties rated themselves similarly and more poorly in relation to general health and mental wellbeing than those aged 25 or older.

There were no differences by maternal age in the prevalence of longstanding health conditions when the child was aged two. However, by age six, whilst prevalence had increased for mothers in all age groups, it had done so more sharply for mothers aged under 20 making them most likely to have such a condition at this stage.

Smoking was most common amongst mothers aged under 20 but prevalence was similar to those in their early twenties and quite distinct from that amongst mothers aged 25 and over.

Whilst mothers in all age groups were just as likely to drink alcohol, those aged 25 and older tended to do so more frequently but to consume fewer units when they did. In contrast, mothers aged under 20 tended to drink less often but consume more units. Those in their early twenties fell in between.

Mothers in all age groups were also similarly likely to have ever taken drugs but those aged under 25 were more likely than older mothers to have done so in the last year.