Help For Pregnant Teens Options And Choices
Help For Teens That Are Pregnant
If you are a teen that is pregnant there are things you need to know. Going through a pregnancy during your teenage years is a scary thing. You may not know what to do or who to tell. This article will go over some things you can do when trying to decide what is the best plan of action for you and your baby.
One of the first steps you should take is to tell a parent. Many times teens are too afraid to go to their parents and tell them they are pregnant. Thinking they will be in trouble or that they will disappoint their parents are a few reasons why kids do not go to their parents first. This leads many young girls who are pregnant to make wrong decisions. If going to a parent is not an option try going to a councilor or teacher, a friends parents who you trust, another family member, the school nurse, your county health department or Planned Parenthood.
You must confide in someone you can trust and who will help you to make the right choices. Even though you might feel like an adult or think that you can do it on your own, the truth is that you are still just a kid. You lack the knowledge and life experience you need to decide what is best for you and your baby.
Your Options And Decisions To Make
There are many important choices to make and options to consider for pregnant teens. How will you support the baby? Where will you live? How will you be able to afford diapers or formula? Do you want to keep the baby or give it up for adoption? How and should I tell the father?
These are some of the questions you need to have figured out before the baby comes. You also need to understand that having a baby is the biggest responsibility you will ever have. You are responsible for another life. Babies are helpless and depend solely on you to care, nurture, and protect them. All of the choices and responsibilities can become overwhelming for pregnant teens.
Sometimes teen mothers will abandon their newborn baby because they do not know what to do or how to care for it. Please do not do this. There is a better option. Many states have places called a "baby safe haven site" where you can take brand new babies and place them directly in the hands of a person that works at the safe place. You can not just set the baby on the sidewalk next to the safe place or just outside the door. Take the baby in. You will not be in trouble or have to answer any questions. Examples of safe places are hospitals and fire departments. Each state has its own law and rules you need to be aware of. You can learn more about this and the programs available in each state here.
Another option if you or someone you know is trying to hide a teen pregnancy is to call Project Cuddle. They are there to help with all kinds of things including telling parents about the pregnancy. If you are scared and need help or just have a question call Project Cuddle at 1-88-TO-CUDDLE (1-888-628-3353)
You do not have to go through pregnancy alone. Just reach out and ask for help or advice from any of the mentioned above and you will see people are more than willing to help you. The decisions you make now can change the rest of your life.
