Introduction: Pregnancy during adolescence is a persistent global health challenge and can pose a danger to girls who may not be ready physically or psychologically to be mothers. This study evaluated the nutritional and health status, nutrient intake, health-seeking behaviours, and availability of maternal health services in government programmes among Filipino pregnant adolescents (PAs) aged 10-19 years in selected municipalities in Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon Provinces.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed during the COVID-19 pandemic (May 2022), involving 165 PAs and 28 key informants (KIs)-MNCHN staff were interviewed via mobile or video calls. Energy and nutrient intake were assessed using a 24-hour food recall.

Results: Among participants (mean age 17.7 years), 50% were nutritionally at risk, 24% were pre-hypertensive, and 6% were hypertensive. Mean energy intake ranged from 2,267 kcal (16–18 years) to 2,791 kcal (13–15 years), with only one-third to one-half meeting recommended intake levels (p=0.087). Protein adequacy ranged from 59 to 70%, while calcium (28–39%) and iron (5–10%) intakes were markedly deficient. Niacin adequacy differed significantly across age groups (p=0.036). During the pre-pregnancy period, most PAs (74.6%) did not undergo medical examinations. Those who did sought care at health centres (13.3%) or government hospitals (6.7%). Once pregnant, all (100%) attended prenatal check-ups, primarily at health centers (72.1%) and government hospitals (12.1%), while 64% said needed programmes and services were available, such as nutrition and breastfeeding counselling, iron and folic acid supplementation, tetanus toxoid immunisation, and family planning methods.

Conclusion: The findings highlighted nutritional deficiencies, underscoring the need for intensified monitoring, targeted nutritional interventions, and comprehensive educational strategies to support adolescent maternal health.

Emily O. Rongavilla is a Science Research Specialist II and a Nutritionist-Dietitian by profession at the Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute in the Philippines. She is engaged in nutritional assessment studies, nutrition intervention and evaluation, and advocacy studies.