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

Pregnancy and birth

Mothers younger than 25, and particularly those under 20, tended to report the poorest health behaviours during their pregnancy. Compared with older mothers, they were less likely to use supplements such as folic acid and vitamin D, more likely to smoke and, amongst those who smoked when they became pregnant, less likely to stop. They also had poorer perceptions of their general health during pregnancy.

Mothers in their early twenties reported more positive health behaviours during their pregnancy than those aged under 20, but they remained significantly poorer than for mothers aged 25 or older.

There were positives too. Mothers aged under 20 were less likely to have drunk alcohol during pregnancy, more likely to have had a normal birth (without assistance or a caesarean section) and to perceive the birth as a positive experience - reporting it to be better or much better than they expected.

Mothers aged under 20 and those aged 20 to 24 were less likely than those aged 25 years or older to report that they had kept 'very well' during their pregnancy (45% and 48% compared with 57%). In contrast, the proportion of those who reported that they were 'not very well' or 'not at all well' was similar in the youngest and oldest age groups (15%/14%) and slightly higher amongst the middle age group (21%).

There were no notable differences^[1] by maternal age in the prevalence of low birth weight, premature birth or having an illness or problem during pregnancy.