Introduction: Adolescents and young women face multiple barriers to accessing maternal health services, including lack of information, financial constraints, and long distances to health facilities. However, among those who do get to the health care system, little is known on their experiences when seeking and receiving prenatal care services.

Objective: This study explores the experiences of adolescents and young women in seeking prenatal care services in Nampula city and Nacala Porto and Mecuburi districts, in Nampula Province. It particularly investigates barriers to receiving care once in the health care system.

Methods: Data were collected through focus group discussions with adolescent girls and young women aged 15–19 and 20–24, as well as adolescent boys and young men aged 18–21. The discussions focused on sources of information, pregnancy confirmation and access to maternal health services. Data were coded using NVivo software and analysed using content analysis to identify underlying messages and emerging themes.

Results: The process of seeking maternal healthcare begins with the recognition of pregnancy, usually triggered by missed menstruation, physical discomfort, and bodily changes, often followed by home-based pregnancy testing. Initial care-seeking may involve both formal health facilities and informal providers such as traditional healers. Key barriers to accessing formal care include negative attitudes from healthcare providers, and long distances to health facilities. Being not accompanied by the male partner emerged as a major barrier to receiving care. These factors, shaped by broader social norms and institutional practices, significantly affect adolescents’ and young women's ability to receive timely and appropriate maternal health services.

Key words: Maternal health services, adolescents and young women, Mozambique