Jamie Lynn Spears Pregnant
From LoveToKnow Pregnancy
News that Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant broke everywhere with the December 18th edition of OK! Magazine, which had an exclusive interview with Spears, confirming her pregnancy at 12 weeks.
Britney’s Younger Sister Pregnant
Jamie Lynn is the younger sister of pop star Britney Spears. While older sibling Brit has come under fire recently for her lack of parenting skills and odd behaviors, Jamie Lynn was hailed as the good girl who starred on Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101. The sixteen-year old’s boyfriend is Casey Aldridge, two years her senior and the father of her baby.
Though most of the world is shocked at Jamie Lynn’s announcement, it seems to have been some time in the making. During the summer of 2007, National Enquirer printed a story regarding a missed period and a talk Jamie Lynn had with Britney about birth control.
News commenters and bloggers everywhere have been speculating about the parenting skills of all three Spears women. The girl's mom, Lynne Spears, had a parenting book put on hold, while Britney continues to be monitored with her children. Pregnant teens may have more difficult pregnancies and births than women whose bodies have developed fully. The stigma and emotional stresses from becoming a teen mom will also be a factor in Jamie Lynn’s ability to raise a child.
Jamie Lynn Spears' Pregnant: Will She Be Jobless?
With the impending baby bump looming around the corner, it is interesting to see what Nickelodeon plans to do with Jamie Lynn’s television show. Shortly after the news broke, Nickelodeon issued this statement to the media via Extra:
We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well-being.
Jamie Lynn seems to be taking time to consider all of her options. She reportedly took a home pregnancy test and then went to a doctor to confirm the positive status, then waited several weeks before sharing the news. She tells OK! that:
I’m the one who has to live with it for the rest of my life. I put myself in this position, an adult position, so I have to act like an adult and take responsibility for what I did.
The fourth season of Zoey 101 has finished taping and officials have not commented on their further plans. However, veteran newsperson Linda Ellerbee has been in talks with Nickelodeon about producing a possible special about teenage love, sex, and parental values.
Pregnant Star Spurs Sex Talks
Although Jamie Lynn’s unplanned pregnancy may be a surprise to her fans, it has spurred a lot of parents to begin talking to their children about sex and contraception. While some parents feel that the pregnant Spears has created issues with discussing sex with children too young to understand, others welcome the opportunity it brings to talk with children about their own values regarding sex and its consequences.
Statistics show that teen pregnancy is a problem in the United States, with approximately 34 percent of women having been pregnant at least once before they turn 20. If you are using the Jamie Lynn Spears pregnancy as a way to open up a frank discussion about sex with your teen or tween, the following questions may help:
- How do you feel about Jamie Lynn’s pregnancy?
- What kinds of things should Jamie Lynn and her boyfriend have discussed before choosing to have sex?
- Should you be in love to have sex? What about being a certain age?
- What could Jamie Lynn (or Casey, her boyfriend) have done to prevent pregnancy?
- How should Jamie Lynn take care of herself while she is pregnant?
- What kind of challenges will Jamie Lynn face while she is pregnant?
- Will her baby face any challenges, being born to someone who is still developing herself?
Discuss your own values and facts regarding sex with your child. Be sure to emphasize your own beliefs while still giving “the facts” on how to use contraception and prenatal care.
LoveToKnow Teen Pregnancy Resources
To learn more about teenage pregnancy, contraception, and having a baby, refer to the following articles:
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