Resources for Pregnant Teens

Essential Resources for Pregnant Teens

You may be pregnant, but you’re not alone. If you decide to go through with your pregnancy, now is the time to start developing a strong support system.

Family Members

Even though it may be scary to think about telling your parent or guardian that you are pregnant, it’s important to deal with the situation as soon as possible. Additionally, many pregnant teens report that their parents were much more supportive and understanding than they had anticipated. If you’re not sure how to approach this conversation, visit the Mom, Dad, I’m Pregnant… Web site for tips that can make the task easier.

School Officials

Having a baby doesn’t have to mean the end of your education. Whether you’re planning to raise your child or give your baby up for adoption, school officials can work with you to ensure that your education is disrupted as little as possible. As soon you can, you’ll want to make an appointment for you and your parents to discuss accommodations the school can make to help you through your pregnancy. You may be able to work out an independent study arrangement for certain classes or have a tutor help with your lessons.

Your Healthcare Provider

Early prenatal care is a necessity, especially for young mothers. Teenagers are considered high risk pregnancies because they are more likely to suffer from anemia, hypertension, and inadequate weight gain. The babies born to teen mothers are also much more likely to be premature, which can result in physical as well as cognitive impairments. However, early prenatal care can dramatically improve the odds that both you and your baby will be healthy.

Your Spiritual Advisor

From an emotional perspective, coping with an unplanned pregnancy can be very difficult. When your friends are worried about cheerleading practice, prom, and college applications, it can be difficult to share your anxieties about prenatal care and the responsibility of parenthood. If you attend church on a regular basis, your spiritual advisor may be able to provide some much needed emotional support.

Organizations that Can Be Helpful

Birthright and your state’s Department of Human Services can help you deal with some of the practical concerns you’ll encounter throughout your pregnancy.

Birthright

Birthright is an organization that was founded in 1968 to help women cope with the stress associated with an unplanned pregnancy. Although the organization serves women of all ages, it provides many resources for pregnant teens.

Some of the services you can find at Birthright include:

• Pregnancy testing
• Prenatal information to help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy
• Maternity and baby clothes
• Referrals to social agencies
• Assistance locating resources in your community that can help teen parents
• Information on how to place your baby up for adoption

Visit the Birthright Web site to find an office location near you.

Department of Human Services

If you are planning to raise your child on your own, you may be eligible to receive food stamps, medical assistance, and cash benefits through Temporary Aid for Needy Families. The nearest Department of Human Services office can provide information about how you can apply for these programs. The paperwork can take some time to process, however, so you’ll want to get this done as soon as possible.

Books for Pregnant Teens

Although there are a number of books available for expectant mothers, many of them do not address the issues that concern pregnant teens. If you’re looking for a guide written with you in mind, LoveToKnow Pregnancy suggests the following resources for pregnant teens:

• The Unplanned Pregnancy Book for Teens and College Students by Dorrie Williams-Wheeler
• Your Pregnancy & Newborn Journey: A Guide for Pregnant Teens by Jeanne Warren Lindsay and Jean Brunelli
• You Look Too Young to be a Mom: Teen Mothers on Love, Learning, and Success by Deborah Davis
• Hope... Joy (and a Few Little Thoughts) for Pregnant Teens: Consciously Creating Your Legacy by Rachel Brignoni