Being a teenager is hard, but being a pregnant teen can be even harder. Many pregnant teens struggle to find the help and care they need for a healthy pregnancy, like healthcare, education, and a strong support system. They need resources for pregnant teens more than ever at this time.
This blog on teen pregnancy is for you, whether you’ve just found out you’re pregnant or have known for a while. Here’s what we want you to know:
- You’re not alone; there are resources available to you.
- You have options, including adoption.
- You can have a mature, informed chat with your parents.
- You can make a healthy plan for both your baby and yourself.
Keep reading to learn more about where to find support and resources for pregnant teens.
Being a pregnant teen can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even scary, but you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of teens in the U.S. face the same situation. You might be worried about telling your parents or your boyfriend, figuring out your next steps, how this will affect finishing school, what your friends will think, or how you’ll care for your baby.
The good news is that there are resources and support designed just for you. The first step is to start taking care of yourself and reach out for help.
Teen Pregnancy…Now What?
Pregnancy and then giving birth can change your life, so it’s important you have the best information from the start. Being prepared during your pregnancy will help you stay healthy and have a healthy baby. Here are some things you’ll need to keep in mind as you move through your pregnancy, along with resources for pregnant teens.
Tell Your Parents
Talking to your parents about your pregnancy can be really hard, especially if you’re still unsure about how you feel. Your pregnancy might surprise them, and they may be shocked to learn you’re sexually active.
Telling them is often one of the hardest parts, but it’s better to do it sooner than later. Once they know, the fear and stress can start to ease.
Families can then accept the situation and start thinking about options and making plans. It’s important to get early prenatal care.
Choose a good time to share the news, when everyone can handle it. Here, you’ll find tips on how to have an open and honest conversation with your parents and plan your next steps.
Tell Your Baby’s Father
Telling your boyfriend you’re pregnant can be intimidating when you didn’t plan on it. The important thing is that you tell him as soon as you find out you’re pregnant so he can process the information. Here are 5 tips on how to tell your boyfriend that you are pregnant.
After you’ve told him, you’ll need to make a plan for the future. Being a mom can be hard, even with help from friends and family. You might be thinking about what role your baby’s father will have in the future. Whether he’s there or not, he will still be important in your child’s life. If you decide to keep the baby, he may be responsible for child support and have the chance to share custody.
If you’ve decided that adoption is the best choice for you and your baby, you might be unsure how to talk about it with the baby’s father. Bringing up adoption needs careful thought because it could be a tough conversation for both of you. Having a plan before you talk can help make it easier, and you’ll find tips here for making that plan.
Get Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the healthcare you get while you’re pregnant, and it includes medical care, education, and counseling. If you need help getting prenatal care, talk with your doctor, nurse, or school counselor.
No matter which state you live in, you can get help to pay for medical care during your pregnancy. These programs are run by the Health Department where you live, and they can give medical care, information, advice, and other services to help you have a healthy pregnancy. To find out about the program in your state, call 800-311-BABY (800-311-2229). Calling this number will connect you to the Health Department in your area code.
Get Transportation To and From Your Doctor
Next, you’ll want to make sure you have a way to actually GET to your doctor’s office. If you don’t have your own car, ask your parents, friends, a trusted adult, or another family member if they can give you a ride to your prenatal appointments. But what if you can’t find a way to get to appointments?
If you have insurance through Medicaid, you might be able to get rides to and from your doctor’s office for Medicaid-approved care. Coverage varies depending on your needs and situation. To figure out how to get a ride, speak to your Medicaid caseworker as well as the ride service company. You may given a ride in a car, van, taxi, or rideshare service, like Uber or Lyft.
Enroll in Childbirth Classes
These classes teach you about pregnancy, labor, giving birth, and breastfeeding. Learning about these things will make you more confident and better able to make decisions about what type of labor and delivery you want. There may even be classes for pregnant teens at your local hospital.
If you’re planning to become a mom, there are also classes that can teach you how to care for your baby. There, you’ll learn how to feed, bathe, and diaper your baby and how to keep them safe.
If you’re considering adoption, you might want to take a childbirth class in the privacy of your home. A few popular online childbirth classes include those hosted by Lamaze, Bradley Birth, and the Alexander Technique.
Plan for the Future
When you’re emotionally and financially ready to raise a child, it can bring amazing changes to your life. But if you’re not ready yet, it’s important to think carefully about your situation and what you’re capable of handling. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do I have a support system, like the baby’s father, family, or friends, that I can count on for the long haul?
- Is my home a safe and suitable place for a baby?
- Do I have enough money to take time off work or pay for childcare?
- Am I prepared to make changes to my lifestyle?
If parenting isn’t possible right now, adoption can be a positive choice, With modern, open adoption, you don’t have to say goodbye to your baby forever. You can get updates, pictures, video calls, and even visits. You also get to choose the family to adopt your baby and decide how much contact you want after the adoption is final.
You’ll be able to see your child grow and succeed in their new home, knowing you made a loving decision that also fulfilled an adoptive family’s dream.
Sometimes, you might start parenting and realize it’s not the right choice for you and your baby. Remember, it’s never too late to choose adoption. You can always call or text Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784.
Other Resources for Pregnant Teens
At Lifetime Adoption, we know how important it is to give helpful information and support to pregnant teens.
As an adoption agency, we do more than just offer adoption services. We’re here to provide clear guidance and help, so women can make the best choices for themselves. We care about your well-being and want to make sure you get the support you need.
You might be wondering, “What are some other resources for teens who are going through pregnancy?” Wherever you are in your pregnancy, we encourage you to consider these resources and get the help you need to make the best decision you can:
1. A clinic near you
Your local health clinic can give you important support, especially if you are a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Here’s how they can help:
- Confirming your pregnancy with care and understanding.
- Giving you advice and information based on your stage of pregnancy, so you know all your choices.
- Helping you connect with nearby hospitals for delivery plans.
- Many of these services are free or low-cost, especially for teens in similar situations.
2. School programs for pregnant teens
Your school may already have programs to help pregnant teens, so it’s a good idea to ask. Start by talking to your counselor, then your principal, and finally your teachers.
Under Title IX, schools cannot treat pregnant or parenting students unfairly. The law says all students should have access to education, which is important not just for their future but also for the health and development of their children. Some school districts have created programs to help pregnant and parenting students stay in school, graduate, and learn important parenting skills.
If your pregnancy is high-risk or school becomes too difficult, you might want to think about getting your GED at your own pace. After that, you can look into college options.
If you choose adoption, you can return to your regular routine after about nine months. If you decide to raise your child, you’ll need to balance school, work, and taking care of your baby. Some colleges offer childcare programs, and if you go to a local school, your family might be able to help with childcare if they can.
3. Maternity homes
If you’re a pregnant teenager and you’re worried about where to live, maternity homes can help. These homes can offer you a safe place to stay and support during your pregnancy, especially if there are any problems at home. You might be able to stay there for free, and Lifetime Adoption can help you find a place to stay as part of the adoption financial assistance.
4. Counseling
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed about what to do next after learning you’re pregnant. You might worry that you’re too young to make such a big decision.
Unplanned pregnancy counselors are trained professionals who can offer you support and advice, as well as be a sounding board for your emotions and questions. They can give you information on every pregnancy option available to you.
You can find unplanned pregnancy counseling by reaching out to your school guidance counselor. Also, adoption agencies, pregnancy health clinics, and parenting organizations can also help you find counseling. You’ll want to seek counseling that is unbiased, non-judgmental, and doesn’t try to pressure you into one decision or another.
No matter where you’re at in your journey, these resources are here to support you. Whether you’re thinking about adoption or still researching other options, reach out to Lifetime for help and guidance. You’re not alone; we’re here to help you through every step.
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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