What to Do If Your Teenage Daughter is Pregnant

The first thing you should do is giving your daughter a big hug and let her know you love her. Then you need to have a long talk with her because she has some major decisions to make. If possible, invite the father and his family to discuss options and plans with you. No matter what outcome your daughter reaches it will affect him also.

Get your daughter to a OB/GYN for an appointment. While you are there pick up pamphlets on topics to have for her to look through. Print out information from the internet so when you sit down to discuss you will have concrete information infront of you. Having factual things to talk about may cut down the emotional talking that may lead to a fight.

Your baby is now making a very adult decision. This is not the time to scream or push her away. In this life everyone makes mistakes. No amount of screaming will change what happened. Chances are, your daughter is disappointed in herself so no good will come out of being disappointed in her too.
Invite the baby's father, his family, and your daughter to sit down and discuss these major issues that need to be dealt with, immediately.

* What is your daughter thinking of doing, keeping the baby adoption etc.?

* Does the baby's dad agree with this decision?

* Does she have health care to help pay for the pregnancy? If not, she needs help finding a low or no cost option.

* Is she going to continue going to school? What arrangements can be made so that she can finish?

* Does she want to marry the father, right now? If so, where will they live, work etc.?

* If she is thinking of adoption does she know the different options? Do you have a list of adoption agencies?

* Is your daughter saying she wants an abortion? Does she know the physical and emotional risks that are associated with a medical procedure like that?

* Will the father agree to pay child support every month regardless of what happens to the relationship with him and your daughter?

* Are all the grandparents willing to pitch in with childcare?

These are just a few points to get you started. It may feel like the end of the world but it is not. Having a strong support system is what you daughter needs so she can finish school, get a job and have a wonderful life for her and her child.

Leave any final decisions up to your daughter. Unfortunately, her decision may not be what you would have chosen for her, but this is her life. You don't want her to have regrets because of a decision you made her live with. Put out your hand for her to hold. Be there, no matter what decision she makes. Hold her hand through the emotional days that lie ahead. In the end you may see that even though it was the road less traveled, it worked out very well.