Shortened inter-pregnancy intervals among adolescent mothers: The influence of maternal depression

Conclusive evidence addressing the ways by which maternal symptoms of depression might serve as a risk factor for shortened inter-pregnancy intervals is not readily accessible. We conducted an examination of differences in mental health and trauma experiences between adolescent mothers who had a subsequent pregnancy with a short inter-pregnancy interval (“SP”; less than 24 months between the birth of the index child and a subsequent pregnancy) and those who did not (no-SP). Based on our earlier published work, we conducted in-depth qualitative chart reviews of all mothers participating in an established parenting program for adolescent mothers in the District of Columbia designed to extend the inter-pregnancy interval (n = 139; 51% African American, 49% Latina; 29 had a subsequent pregnancy within 24 months). Chart reviews included data from the prenatal period (initial obstetric assessment and every 2 weeks from 10 weeks to delivery) and postpartum period (2 weeks, 6 weeks and every 10–12 weeks thereafter). We developed a systematic coding procedure for identifying indicators of poor mental health/trauma experiences as documented in client records. Coding procedure based upon items from BDI, SCL-90-R, Postpartum Depression Scale and Trauma Screening Module. Findings: (1) significantly more indicators of ‘poor mental health' during the prenatal and post-natal period among SP than no-SP (2) depression decreased from prenatal to postnatal for both groups; (3) SP experienced significantly more suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide than no-SP. Recommendations for direct service providers working with adolescents will be presented in terms of public health education and health promotion.