Dealing With Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is usually unplanned. It is generally a time of great crisis for the girl and family. Taking up the responsibility of a child all of a sudden becomes too hard to handle for any teenager. The common reactions to teenage pregnancy includes anger, guilt and denial. If the father of the child also happens to be young, similar reactions are expected from his side as well.

Teenagers who become pregnant may not seek proper medical care. The usual reactions are not wanting the baby, depression, anxiety, fear and in most cases resorting to substance abuse. Babies born to teenagers are at high risk of being neglected, because most of the time the mother is not sure about her roles and responsibilities. The lack of prenatal care leads to a whole lot of complications at the later stages.

So, here are few things which you should know about how to deal with teenage pregnancy.

Take the pregnancy test: Do not deny that you are pregnant because putting it off may create more difficulties. So, take the pregnancy test and do not panic once you discover that you are pregnant. Talk to someone whom you can trust.

Let the father know: Once your pregnancy is confirmed, inform your partner. If he is a sensible and mature person, he will surely support you in dealing with it. If he doesn't do then do not lose hope. Reach out to people who will support you in such a situation.

Research your options: Once you know that you are pregnant, you should start researching as to how are you going to deal with your pregnancy. Talk to the father or other people helping you out. You have different options like abortion, single parenting, marriage, joint parenting or giving the child for adoption. Ultimately, you are the one to take the decision. Do not feel pressurized.

Seek proper medical care: If you are planning to go ahead with the pregnancy, then it is time to start taking care of your health. Seek proper treatment from an experienced gynecologist. Take your medicines on time to avoid complications.

Avoid substance abuse: Once you go ahead with your pregnancy, avoid certain bad habits you may be addicted to such as smoking, alcohol or any other kind of drugs. Substance abuse during pregnancy can be fatal for you as well as your baby.

Follow the diet strictly: Since teenage is quite an early age for pregnancy, you need to be very particular about what you eat. Follow the diet plan strictly which your doctor prescribes for you. Your baby also derives nutrition from what you eat. Avoid junk food and unhealthy eating habits.

Find a place to stay: If you are dealing with your pregnancy alone then it becomes absolutely necessary for you to get a proper accommodation for yourself. If you do not have any kind of support from your partner, friends or family, then seek help from support groups or women in similar situations.

Save money: If you have financial constraints then it is advisable to see on what you spend during this time. Save as much as you can, you will need the money at the later stages. Spend only on things which are absolutely necessary.

Apart from all of these, you just need to have keep your cool and deal with it. Avoid stress and be brave to deal with the challenges of teenage pregnancy.