Experiences of social support among unmarried pregnant university students in South Africa

Background: Pregnant young women in an academic environment are susceptible to stressors associated with unintended pregnancy and academic demands of universities. The challenges they face may be exacerbated by lack of social support, putting them at risk of psychological disorders such as depression. Women who receive support from their partners both during pregnancy and postpartum experience less emotional distress and report greater maternal satisfaction. However, very little is known about the experiences of social support among pregnant adolescents and young women in tertiary institutions Methods Participants were purposively selected among pregnant students and those in the puerperal period at the time of the study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken to explore the perceptions of pregnant students on the type of support that they need during pregnancy with particular focus on the role that their partners play (or do not play) in providing support during pregnancy and the puerperium. The data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed using thematic analysis. Results The findings show that social support (emotional, instrumental, informational, and financial) were highlighted as an important resource to cope with stressors during pregnancy and post birth. Emotional support from male partner was the most important type of support needed as it entailed a sense of being loved and cared for. Social support was identified as important throughout the different phases of pregnancy and post birth, with different support needs expressed at each of these phases. Conclusion This study identified support needs of pregnant women in their transition to motherhood. Given the several challenges that they are faced with, pregnant students need all the available support including male partner support to enhance wellbeing as they try to cope with academic and pregnancy-related stressors.