Emotional State of adolescent mothers in Latin America before and after childbirth. Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Existing literature reveals that accepting the role of mother at this stage exposes adolescent girls to conflicting emotions, such as fear, anxiety, indecision, and even hope—emotions that affect their lives and their surroundings. Adolescent pregnancy is considered a phenomenon associated with significant emotional challenges, especially in Latin American contexts, where structural inequality is common. Adolescent mothers exhibit significant differences in their emotional states before and after childbirth due to factors such as poverty, domestic violence, lack of social support, and stigma. Objective: To analyze the emotional changes in Latin American adolescent mothers during pregnancy and postpartum, identifying predominant emotions and factors that affect their psychological well-being. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2013 and 2025 were examined in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis was used due to the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: Forty-five studies were analyzed. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty predominate during pregnancy; In the postpartum period, depression is more prevalent. Lack of family support, economic hardship, and violence were associated with greater emotional vulnerability, while support networks fostered hope and resilience. Conclusions: The emotional impact on adolescent mothers intensifies in the postpartum period and is deeply determined by social and family factors. Primary care interventions are needed to strengthen emotional support and reduce associated risks.