How to Help Pregnant Teens
Teen pregnancy is a concern for many parents. Although all parents hope that their children wait until adulthood to become parents, a pregnant teen is a reality that many parents have to face. The initial reactions of shock, grief and fear may not allow you to react right away to help your child. Once you have taken a day to process the information, you need to best know how to help your teen.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Open the lines of communication. Listen to all of their concerns and thoughts without judging, and be willing to honestly, but gently, share your own concerns. If your teenage daughter feels that she can talk to you, you will be in a better position to help her make some of the hard choices she will be facing in the near future.
-
2
Prepare to discuss options. Many teenagers, if they have an adequate support system in place, make the choice to keep their baby. Others opt for adoption or for terminating the pregnancy. This decision is often made by considering the teen's relationship with the baby's father, the age and maturity level of the teen, religion, family values, friends and the feelings of the mother-to-be. Help your teenager to examine and understand all of the aspects of each choice, and remember that a decision doesn't need to be made right now. Take time to consider the options.
-
-
3
Seek outside support, for both you and your daughter. Counseling services may allow you both to express your concerns and hopes to an unbiased professional. School officials may be able to make a recommendation, or you could talk to your religious leader, if you have one. Individual and family counseling may be recommended. You should also look into pregnancy, childbirth and parenting courses; many areas offer classes just for teenagers.
-
4
Seek medical care. Pregnant teens are at a higher risk for many medical conditions associated with pregnancy, including miscarriage, high blood pressure and anemia, according to an article from Kids Health. Many teens put off medical care when they're pregnant because they are in denial or afraid to let their parents know. Because of this, it is important to make the soonest possible appointment for your daughter, allowing her to have the healthiest possible pregnancy.
-
1
