Teen pregnancy tips

We recently got a comment here at P&B from an 18 year old girl who is worried that she might be pregnant. It's a valid worry. Pregnant teens can have a hard time, BUT if you're a pregnant teen, or a teen who thinks she might be pregnant you do have options, and you should also know that your age does not mean that you'll be a bad mama.

Facts:

• Nearly 1 million teenage girls in the United States give birth every year - so you're not alone.
• You may be terrified, overjoyed, confused, or angry - but know that all of these feelings are normal. Even women who aren't teenagers have emotions and feelings like this when they're pregnant.
• Age does not mean you can't be an excellent mama. If you're a teen who is pregnant, and you want to keep your baby, you CAN be a great mama. I've known plenty of older mamas who can't cut it, and younger mamas who can. What matters more than age is your attitude, your support system, and your ability to make positive choices for you and your baby.

What to do if you think you might be pregnant: You need to know for sure if you're pregnant, because early prenatal (or health care) for you and your baby is VERY important. Without proper prenatal care your baby may be born too early or sick, and you may get sick as well. You can take a home pregnancy test or visit your own doctor or visit a Planned Parenthood clinic. I suggest visiting a clinic not taking a home pregnancy test. If you are pregnant it can be overwhelming and if you're at a supportive clinic you'll get help and learn your options. Additionally if you go to a clinic and you're not pregnant, you can get birth control. If you are pregnant and want to keep your baby... You'll need to do the following:

• Tell someone. You cannot do this alone. You need to tell a parent, nurse, or other adult you trust.
• Get prenatal care. If you don't have health insurance learn how to find low-cost or free health care. You need prenatal care for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
• Start taking folic acid today!
• Do not drink or smoke, have unprotected sex, or stay in an abusive relationship.
• Do eat healthy, get some exercise, take a childbirth class, and try to relax.
• Start learning about baby care and baby safety.

THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP FOR PREGNANT TEENS! You have rights! Just like every mama on the planet, you have rights. You can keep or not keep your baby. You deserve the best prenatal care without judgment. You do not have to marry the father unless that's what you both want. Pregnant teens and young mothers in their early 20s get a bad rap, and you probably will hear mean comments from nurses, doctors, your family, and more. Trust me, I was young when I had my son, not a teen, but I looked like one, and I got mean comments all the time about how young I was. I've worked with pregnant teens who got mean comments. People may tell you that you can't breastfeed, or raise a baby properly, or have a natural birth, or make the right choices for you and your baby because you're too young. This is absolutely NOT TRUE. Ignore those people and focus on being the best mama you can. If your doctor or nurse is being rude, do not stand for it. Switch doctors. Better yet see if you can find a midwife and a doula. For more support visit:

• Health Teen Network
• Healthy Teen Mom Diet
• Pregnant and Parenting Teens Resources
• Being A Teenage Parent

[image via the 90s positive teen pregnancy Planned Parenthood campaign]