How to Deal With Teen Pregnancy

Steps

1. When you first discover you are pregnant, you should tell someone that you trust, and seek out someone who will support you, and TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
2. Check myspace groups, as there are young mother support groups online
3. If both or one of your parents support you, that is wonderful, as they have experience and can guide you through parenting
4. If the father supports you, that, too, could be wonderful, as he could willingly help you by taking you to appointments, paying for baby stuff, etc.
5. 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, and people will try to take advantage of you
6. Decide if you are going to keep the baby, put it up for adoption or have an abortion.
7. If you are planning to keep the baby, apply for medicaid and WIC to cover your medical expenses, food and living expenses if necessary (oftentimes, their is support for young women, and it can help you to find jobs, finish high school, and go to a vocational school or college)
8. Take a parenting course (see external link)
9. Find a place to stay. If your parents kicked you out, and your boyfriend wants nothing to do with you, see if you can find a relative, or a friend, or anyone who has your best interests (or seek help from the state)
10. Get advice. If you're afraid of having a baby, consult an elder or a nurse, doctor or midwife. Ask them what to expect
11. 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 you are considering abortion or adoption, you should know the positive and negative consequences
• If your parents are forcing you to choose an option you aren't comfortable with, consider becoming emancipated
• If the father [your boyfriend] doesn't want to be involved, you can sue for child support.

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. (See online parenting class, Chapter 3: Separation)
• Keep in mind that babies take a lot of time and energy - if you choose to refrain from having an abortion, keep in mind that there are many loving adoptive parents out there who are more financially and emotionally able to take care of your child. Your baby may have a better life if you go with adoption.