"How to Deal With Teen Pregnancy" - Chrome
Monday, April 20, 2009, 9:20 PM
Pregnancy is sometimes unplanned, especially the younger we are. Our bodies are made in such a way, that you can get pregnant as a teenager. This is a time in our lives when we are emotionally and financially needing support to deal with having a child. Be brave, you have a challenge ahead of you.
If you are a pregnant teen, and made a mistake, here are some ways to help you with your pregnancy.

Steps:

  • When you first discover you are pregnant, you should tell someone that you trust and who will support you.
  • Telling your parents about the pregnancy can be a difficult thing to do, especially if they didn't know you were sexually active. Figure out the best way to do this
  • Support:If both or one of your parents support you, that is wonderful, as they have experience and can guide you through parenting. If the father of your baby supports you, that, too, could be wonderful, as he could willingly help you by taking you to appointments, paying for baby stuff, being emotionally supportive, and so much more. If you don't find support, tell everyone until you find people who will support you. If no one knows or supports you, you could be going through this alone.
  • Apply for Medicaid and WIC to cover your medical expenses, food and living expenses if necessary. Oftentimes, there is support for young women, and it can help you to find jobs, finish high school, and go to a vocational school or college.
  • Take a parenting course
  • Find a place to stay. If your parents don't support you, or are giving you an ultimatum to do their wishes or move, and your boyfriend is not supportive, see if you can find a relative, friend, or anyone who has your best interests. If you don't have support from friends or family, seek help from the state.
  • Get advice. If you're afraid of having a baby, consult an elder, nurse, doctor or midwife. Ask them what to expect.
  • Save money. Be thrifty in what you buy. There are oftentimes places where you can buy stuff for you and your baby very cheaply, such as yard sales and thrift stores

Tips:

  • If your boyfriend is abusive you should ask him to get counseling. If he is not willing to do so, you may need to remove yourself and your baby away from him.
  • Keep your mind open to adoption. You should do research and talk to people who can help; your child might get to live a happy life with a loving family.
  • Check MySpace, yahoo and other groups, there are young mother support groups online.
    If the father doesn't want to be involved, you can still collect child support.
    If your parents are forcing you to choose an option you aren't comfortable with, consider becoming     emancipated.

Warnings:

  • When a baby is left alone or is left without his mother for a long time, a baby will go through three stages: protest, despair, and detachment

Labels: