Introduction:

México has a high rate of teenage pregnancy, which symbolizes a risk to the health and socio-economic development of this group. The prevention of a second pregnancy at this stage is relevant to improve quality of life.

Objective:

To explore the social representations of prenatal contraceptive counseling based on the experiences and expectations of pregnant adolescents and health providers in a second level care hospital.

Methodology:

Qualitative study based on Serge Moscovici’s Social Representations Theory with ten primiparous adolescents in any quarter of pregnancy and seven health providers, adolescents without pregnancy condition were excluded. We used semi-structured interviews recorded and analyzed in their integrity through fluctuating reading by two researchers, the discourse of the proposed thematic axes was contrasted. Integrity, confidentiality, and autonomy were respected.

Results:

The realities represented by adolescents showed a need for knowledge, values, respect, kindness, and patience. Providers evoked paternalistic counseling, but with recognition of focused counseling and reproductive rights.

Conclusion:

More participants stated that the ideal time to receive counseling is during pregnancy, since pregnant adolescents expressed the need to receive information and have more time lapse between their pregnancies. The expectations of the Prenatal Contraceptive Counseling (CAP by its acronym in Spanish) differed in terms of values to give rise to a paternalistic attitude on the part of the health provider and the preference of adolescents for counseling based on respect, honesty, and trust, among others.

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