Wellbeing is a new health and lifestyle resource, brought to you in association with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a nonprofit membership organization of more than 50,000 obstetrician- gynecologists. Designed for women at every stage of life, from pregnancy and birth, to menopause and beyond, Wellbeing is an essential guide for a healthier, happier you! disclaimerNeither this website nor its contents constitute an explicit or implied endorsement by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), or by Boston Hannah International (BHI), of the products or services mentioned in advertising or editorial content. The editorial content on this website does not necessarily represent policies or recommendations by ACOG. This website is not intended to be exhaustive. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, neither ACOG, nor BHI shall have any liability for errors or omissions. Readers who have questions should consult their health care providers or other competent sources of information and guidance. |
Mother & Baby teenage momSpecial needs for pregnant teens
You're a teenager… and pregnant. It may seem scary, but you don't have to deal with this on your own–there are many people who can help you. Here are some of the options.Pregnancy is a major event at any age. When you're a teenager, pregnancy is a particularly life-changing experience. You may have many different feelings about it, all at the same time. You may be scared–about what to do, how to tell parents and friends and what they'll think. You may feel as though life just spun wildly out of control. You may feel happy, excited, depressed, lonely, panicky or all of the above. You may imagine if you just stop thinking about it, everything will go back to the way it was. The most important thing to do right away is find someone you trust to talk to. You don't want to deal with this by yourself. You might be afraid to tell your parents. But, in most cases, once parents accept that you're pregnant, they'll support you. If you feel you can't tell your parents, find another adult you trust, such as a teacher, counselor, doctor, or the parent of a friend. ChoicesDefinite No-NosYou want a healthy baby. That means no drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Your baby is developing inside you. Smoking, drinking or taking drugs during pregnancy can cause serious problems for your baby, including birth defects and mental and physical problems. Doing these things can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. If you smoke, drink or take drugs, now is the time to stop. If you can't stop on your own, talk to your doctor. Remember, it's no longer just your health on the line. It's important to face the fact that you're pregnant and begin thinking about your choices. If you decide to have the baby, you'll need to decide if you'll raise the baby yourself, have others raise the baby for a short time as foster parents, or give the baby up for adoption. Your baby will need good prenatal care in order to be born healthy. If you decide to end the pregnancy (have an abortion), the earlier you do so, the better. Abortion is difficult, both emotionally and physically. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. You can get counseling on your pregnancy options from your doctor or agencies such as Planned Parenthood. Remember, though, that the final decision on what to do is yours. Decide what is best for you. Give careful thought to your future and consider whether you're ready to care for a child. You're eating for two nowPregnancy doesn't mean you have to eat twice as much, but rather twice as smart. Many teens rely on fast food and snacks, but you need a good, balanced diet to ensure you give birth to a healthy baby. Certain vitamins and nutrients, such as folic acid, iron and calcium, are important to your baby's development. It's especially important to get enough folic acid (at least 0.4 mg each day). If taken in the first 3 months of pregnancy, folic acid helps prevent certain birth defects of the spine and skull. Talk with your doctor about your diet and about taking a prenatal vitamin. When you're pregnant, you're supposed to gain weight. Now is not the time to diet. Your baby needs extra calories and nutrients to develop properly. If you're concerned about how you look or think you are gaining too much weight, talk to your doctor. What being a mom meansBabies change your life. They need constant care, day and night. They need to be fed, changed, cuddled, and played with. Everything is on their schedule, not yours. This means you won't have much time to do the things you used to do. Your baby will be your number one priority. You'll have to get used to sleepless nights, and days where your baby needs constant care. You may feel tired, frustrated, lonely and overwhelmed. There will be many happy moments, too. Babies are wonderful and you'll love yours a great deal. But be prepared to act responsibly and unselfishly. Get a support system in place before the baby is born. You need adults who can help you. If you're at school or work during the day, you'll need an adult to take care of your baby. Even if you care for the baby yourself, you might need help–sometimes you need to take a break! Costs of raising a babyPlan for the expenses of raising a baby. You need a safe place to live and money to buy food, clothes, a car seat, stroller, toys and other things. You might be eligible for special programs, which give you financial support. Staying in schoolIt's tempting to think leaving school will help. It won't. Finishing your education will help you get a better job, earn more money, and have a better life with your baby. Do your best to stay in school. You may be able to enroll in special programs to help with childcare or tutoring at home. You might also be able to get your parents or others to help. The baby's fatherSome fathers-to-be want to help with the baby. Not all do and you might not even want the baby's father to be involved. Many teenage couples are not ready to commit to marriage. Even if you and the baby's father don't marry or stay together, the father must provide financial support. If he says no, talk to an adult who can help you figure out what your rights are. Prenatal careDid you know?Childbirth classes are helpful to any first-time mom. Your doctor may be able to tell you where to find one. At a childbirth class, you'll learn about pregnancy, giving birth, and how to care for the baby once it is born. You ll also learn about breastfeeding, how to feed and bathe your baby, and how to change a diaper. You'll learn all about labor and delivery, making it less scary. Most importantly, you'll meet other first-time moms. There might even be classes specifically for teenage mothers. Prenatal care is the medical care you get during pregnancy. Make an appointment to see an obstetrician as soon as you know you are pregnant. The earlier you do, the better your chances of having a healthy baby and a safe delivery. At your first prenatal visit, your doctor will calculate your due date and let you know when you can expect the baby to be born. Your doctor can also answer your questions, so you can learn what to do to have a healthy baby. While you're pregnant, you'll visit your doctor regularly and have a complete physical exam, blood tests, and other tests to see how the baby is doing. You ll listen to your baby's heartbeat and perhaps see the baby on an ultrasound screen. Pregnant teens are at increased risk for certain problems, including anemia (low iron in the blood) and high blood pressure. They're also more likely to go into labor early, which can harm the baby. After your baby is born, you'll see your doctor for postpartum care. Talk to him about your future health needs, including birth control. You'll also need to find a pediatrician for your baby. Babies need medical care and vaccinations to keep them healthy. Remember…Raising a baby when you're a teenager isn t easy. But it can be done and you can get help. Focus now on having a healthy baby and getting the support you need. Related articles |
|
 |
|
Health and Wellness advice you can trust |
|
|
