How to Survive Unexpected Pregnancy at a Young Age

Unplanned pregnancy can derail and defeat young parents-to-be. Use these tips to help you through pregnancy and parenthood.

Instructions

1. Don't obsess about what other people think. You will get frowns from strangers and stares from classmates but you've got to have tough skin. Focus on yourself and your unborn child.

2. Identify your support system. Figure out who is really in it for the long run whether it be your partner, your parents or your best friend.

3. Stay in school. If you are in high school or college, find a way to continue your education. Odds are that you will end up going back or needing to go back in the near future, so keep going while you have the momentum.

4. Seek help. Confide in your high school guidance counselor, college advisor, church mentor or a therapist. You will need someone trustworthy to talk to when you get down.

5. Communicate with your partner. Open communication can create a great foundation for a lasting relationship. Whether the two of you are together or not, your child will greatly benefit from parents who can communicate effectively and maturely.

6. Identify your dreams and goals and then make a plan for how to achieve them. You don't have to give up all your ambitions because you are pregnant, but you may need to adjust your approach.

7. Defy the odds and make a great life for you and your new family. There are going to be times when you may want to give up but if you become defeated you lose sight of your goals.

Tips & Warnings

• Be realistic about your expectations and don't set unreasonable goals for yourself. Your child is now the first priority in your life.