Pregnant Teens

The Teen Pregnancy Epidemic

Pregnant teens often feel frightened and uncertain. If you're a pregnant teenager, you may feel like you're all alone. However, teen pregnancy is more common than you may think. The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate of all developed countries, with over one million teenage girls becoming pregnant each year. More than 95 percent of these pregnancies are unplanned.

Facing the Consequences of an Unplanned Pregnancy

Many teenage girls are terrified when they first discover their pregnancies. Teen mothers often feel depressed as they contemplate the responsibilities of parenthood. It is also very common for teens to worry about the reactions of their friends and family.

Some girls, especially younger teens, try to hide the pregnancy from their parents. However, this is a plan that often backfires. While many parents are initially shocked, most eventually provide their daughters with the support they need. The sooner your parents realize you are pregnant, the easier it will be for them to help you through this difficult time in your life.

Although many teen mothers don’t tell their partners about the pregnancy, the expectant father deserves to know. If you’re afraid to tell him, try writing a letter or meeting him in the company of a supportive friend or family member. If he denies his responsibilities, you can later choose to have paternity established through a DNA test. (However, if you decide to seek child support, you’ll be required to produce proof of paternity.)

Health Risks for Pregnant Teens

Since a teenager’s body is not yet fully developed, a young mother faces additional health risks. Pregnant teens are more likely to experience anemia and preeclampsia than older mothers. They are also more likely to experience premature labor and/or have a baby with a low birth weight.

If you’re a teen mother who is planning to keep her baby, it’s very important to seek early medical attention. Proper prenatal care can greatly increase your odds of having a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend that you eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and refrain from unsafe sexual activity. In addition, you’ll also need to avoid smoking, drinking, and/or illegal drug use for the duration of your pregnancy.

Help for Pregnant Teens

While over one-third of all teen pregnancies end in abortion or adoption, many young mothers decide to keep their babies. If you’re planning to raise your child on your own, there are a number of programs that are designed to provide the assistance you’ll need.

Since most pregnant teens don’t have a steady income, you’ll probably be able to receive food stamps, WIC, and medical assistance. Depending upon your location, childcare assistance may also be available. Contact your state’s Department of Human Services office to learn more about available governmental programs.

Many communities have local religious and/or non-profit organizations that provide young mothers with counseling, parenting classes, and other support services. They may also offer diapers, clothes, formula, and other essentials.

In today’s society, education is more important than ever. Finishing high school will dramatically increase your odds of finding stable employment. In fact, a college education is now a prerequisite for many careers. Your school guidance counselor can provide you information on resources that can help you reach your educational goals while raising your child.

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