A Study on Pregnancy and Social Welfare of Unmarried Mother

Joo, Sung Hong; Jang, Dong Wook; Beak, Ji Young; Lee, Ji Young; Sohn, In Sook; Kim, Soo Nyung; Cho, Sung Jin

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To find out general characteristics, common problems, outcomes of delivery of unmarried mothers and related social factors, and to provide basic information based on the results in order to change social systems and to have a correct understanding of unmarried mothers.
METHODS
We studied 196 unmarried mothers who delivered from Jan. 2003 to Aug. 2004. All data were collected by survey whose groups were divided into three by ages, and they were analyzed by Fisher's exact test obstetrically and socially. It verified 95% significant level.
RESULTS
Cesarean section rate was 14.3% which is remarkably lower than married mothers. However, it is getting higher (p=0.003) as they are older, and the rate of group of 30s is similar to that of married mothers. Also, the average birth weight of unmarried mothers' babies is 3,056 gm and it is similar to that of married mothers. They took prenatal care only 3.27 times and 22% of them did not commence it until the 3rd trimester. Fifty seven percent drank alcohols, 51% smoked, and 49% used drugs during pregnancy. Most unmarried mothers who took this survey had a lower level and economic status. After delivery, 16.3% of them raise their babies and 83.7% of them had their babies adopted through welfare facilities.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that it is necessary to have a social system, welfare facilities, and financial supports that educate contraceptive measures to potential unmarried mothers, let them recognize their situations, and protect them.