Advice for Pregnant Teens
Tell the Father and Your Parents ASAP
Pregnant teens often wait to tell others of their pregnancy because they are afraid of how others will react. It is important to tell the father of the child and your parents right away if you find yourself pregnant. The earlier you tell, the longer they have time to get used to the idea before the baby arrives. More importantly, the earlier you confide your secret, the earlier you can begin receiving prenatal care. Prenatal care is extremely important, and even more so for teens because of extra risks involved in teen pregnancies.
Educate Yourself
Most teenagers are not well educated on pregnancy and parenting. To help you feel more comfortable about your pregnancy and upcoming parenthood, read as many pregnancy and parenting books and magazines as you can while pregnant. An excellent resource for all mothers-to-be is What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, and Sandee Hathaway. Subscriptions to pregnancy and parenting magazines are also helpful. Babytalk is a free magazine available to all expectant and new mothers. You can subscribe online with the link listed in the resources below.
Earn Money Now
If you are old enough to legally work, take advantage of the next few months to earn any money that you can. Once your child is here, you may not be able to work as frequently if you can work at all. So, now is the time to save as much money as possible.
Make Sure to Have a Baby Shower
Hopefully, you will be lucky enough to have a loved one throw you a shower. If not, throw yourself one. Your baby deserves to be celebrated like any other child. Plus, you will need all you can get. Try to refrain from buying baby items until after your shower.
Accept Help
All mothers need help. Do not be ashamed to accept generous offers of clothing, cash, baby items, or childcare. Surround yourself with those offering love and support, and keep your distance from anyone that is bringing you down.
Balance
The hardest part about being a teen mother is struggling to find your own identity while shaping the life of another human being. While you should not let motherhood stand in the way of your dreams, if you make the decision to be a mother, your dreams will likely alter. You have to balance what you want and need with what your child will want and need.
Good luck with the remainder of your pregnancy and this new stage of your life.
Published by Ms. Wettin
- Should Pregnant Teens Move Out to Live with Relatives During the Pregnancy? If you are the parent of a pregnant teen, you may be considering having her move out of your home to go live with relatives for the duration of the pregnancy. Read this article before making that important decision.
- Advice for Dealing with Your Pregnant Teen Ask her if she has questions she would like answered about being pregnant. Doing this lets her know you are supportive toward her and allows her to understand the changes about to take place within her body.
-
Debunking Old Wives Tales and Advice About Pregnancy and Parenting
Old wives tales are far too common. Here's a lits of some of them, and whether or not they are valid.
-
Let's Encourage a National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
May 6th is declared, National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This essay is a personal commentary on initiating conversation between teenagers and parents regarding teenage pregn...
- Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy This article covers information on the consequences of teenage pregnancy.
- Advice for Pregnant Teens: How to Tell Your Parents the Big News
- Juno: Teen Pregnancy Discussion Opener for Parents
- How to De-Glamorize Teen Pregnancy for Your Teen
- How to Plan a Baby Shower for a Pregnant Teen
- Alternative Education Options for Pregnant Teens & Parenting Teens
- Pregnant Teens: American Trends in Teen Pregnancy
- Teen Pregnancy & the Risk of Asphyxia Neonatorum
|
|
14 Comments
Post a Commenthello im pregnant and im 16 years old and i doint no what to do cus my mum dont no can some 1 please give me advice
I'm nineteen and just found out a couple of days ago that I'm pregnant. I told the father last night and, though he's scared, he's committed to staying with me. For that I am so grateful. I really do love him and, while we haven't discussed marriage formally, we've both thought about it.
The only issue is my mother. She herself was a teen mom and knows how difficult it can be. She wanted a better life for me. I have no idea how to tell her and that's what scares me.
Any advice?
i'm young well 17 and im pregnant and the father wants to be here and i want him to but in a way i dont because of the drama caused by little girls and so now i dont want him here for the pregnancy for my health and childs health(stress) is the main factor in this and i've been real sick because of it.
The advice is really good, it gets straight to the point of things and great points. I just found out i was pregnant a few days ago, It is a scary thing, to wonder it all, your advice is great. Thank you, it helped. alot.
Thanks for the advice cuz i am 7 months pregnant and i like the advice thanks!!
good advice but you need some more pages on what help is available
Great article and great advice. I know this will help many. I wasn't exactly a teen mom, but I was 19. Also, this stuff really applies to anyone who is pregnant with people they feel may not support them or really if they are just having concerns about what to do. :-)
Wonderful advice!
This is amazing advice that teens need to know. You just don't learn this kind of stuff in health class. Good article!
Great advice, Tina.
Sophie