How to Be Single and Pregnant

Being single and pregnant can be a challenge that's for sure. Not knowing what will happen within the next nine months and beyond is enough to send you on a stressing binge. If you have had a baby before then it may not be as scary. However, if it's your first then it can be overwhelming. The best thing you can do for you and the baby is to stay calm and put together a plan. It may not be easy, but it is doable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Support system

   A woman who is single and pregnant first of all needs help, especially if the father of the child refuses to be involved. This help can come from friends, family or a support group of other women who are in the same boat. This will benefit you and the child, since it will relieve some of the stress. Don't be too proud to ask for help.
   
   Get advice from someone who had been there and done that. Who else knows better than a person with experience? If you don't know another person who has been single and pregnant join a support group. Many times other women know someone else who is willing to help.

2. 
    
   Medical care

   Apply for proper medical care. If finances are an issue you may qualify for Medicaid. Once again don't allow pride to get in the way. Do what is necessary to get good prenatal care. This is the health of your baby we're talking about.
   
   Take parents classes and learn all you can about the baby, child care and parents role. If not classes then research and study online. Better yet, if you know someone who has a baby help them. What better way for a single and pregnant woman to learn than from first hand experience.

3. 
    
   Goals

   Continue to go forward with your goals in career and or education. After all, you will now need to make enough money to support you and the baby. When you do this it helps build confidence and gives you hope for a good future. Don't give hopelessness a chance to set in.
   
   Understand your rights as a single parent. The legalities are something that you can't sweep under the carpet. There is a father and you need to know what his role will be. What is going to happen after the baby is born? Again research the info online. This way you will be prepared and not caught off guard.

4. 
    
   Stay upbeat

   Stay positive and don't listen to people who put you down. There will always be people who have negative opinions about women that are single and pregnant.
   
   Lastly, keep in mind what affects you affects the baby. Your mental and physical state needs to be up not down.

Resources

• How to Help Pregnant Teens
• How to Handle Parental Stress
• How to Improve Mental Health
• How to Have Healthy Eating Habits
• How to Do Healthy Exercises
• How to Keep a Healthy Body Image
• How to Relieve Depression in Women

[jswana]

on 9/23/2009 Wonderful article on being single and pregnant. This is a very strong article - textbook quality. jswana 5*

[emp04]

on 8/28/2009 Great advice. Always make sure that there is a legal document outlying the father's child support obligations.

[smile-up]

on 8/28/2009 Always ask for help is good advice. Get to know the other parents. Join a mother's group. Pick up and drop off in person at your child's school when possible. Say at home parents are usually happy to help out, pass on used stuff, give rides, and to make mutually beneficial trades.

[billips]

on 8/24/2009 Good advice to woman in that very difficult position - support is vital - 5* - B.

[KaraDiablo]

on 8/21/2009 Solid advise for a very scary situation.