Teenage Pregnancy

You're young…probably still in school. This is all new to you. You have no one to turn to, at least no one who'll understand. You've heard about other girls who have been in your place, but you never thought it could happen to you. You're probably alone, especially if you've told your boyfriend who has probably bailed on you. You're left to face this all alone.

You've probably decided to give birth to your child, regardless of your current predicament or situation. All you need to know now is where to go from here, your options, what's expected of you, etc. You need answers, and you don't know where to get them.

The deed's been done, and now you're getting ready to step up to the plate. You've accepted the fact that you're pregnant, not going to deny it, ignore it, or pretend it's not there, as if it's just going to "go away." Don't shake your head or roll your eyes; unfortunately, many teenage girls ignore their pregnancy in hopes that no one else notices. This is very risky and often affects their babies negatively, as they refuse to get prenatal care or any other type of help in preparation of their child's birth.

It just seems easier to ignore it though, doesn't it? You've never felt so alone in all your life, and it's not because you are being selfish or self-centered. There's another human being growing inside of you, and you are barely a child yourself. Several questions float through your head: Who's going to help me raise this child? How am I going to complete my education? Am I ready to parent a child? What if things are harder than I expect? How am I going to get the necessary prenatal care?

For answers to these questions and more, visit the Teenage Pregnancy website and the Teen Pregnancy Message.