Planned Parenthood points out that pregnant teens have more to consider than how their lives will change once the baby is born. But statistics show that about one-third of all pregnant teens do not receive proper prenatal care, which puts their babies at increased risk for childhood health problems and long-term disabilities. Counseling is a form of intervention that can help a teen deal with the serious medical, financial, lifestyle and parenting issues that confront her from the time she learns that she is pregnant.
Financial Assistance
One advantage of early intervention and counseling for a pregnant teen is referring the teen to resources which can provide financial assistance in the form of medical, food and cash assistance for those who qualify. Some state and county jurisdictions require that a pregnant teen continue to attend school in order to remain eligible for financial assistance. Counselors can put a teen in contact with programs that offer free or low-cost medical care, the county’s department of public social services and the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program.
Housing Assistance
In some cases, financial assistance may be needed for housing. Teen parent programs can put teens in touch with the appropriate assistance programs. The American Bar Association’s Center on Children and the Law explains that there are a number of options available to assist pregnant teens in locating and then paying for housing. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development gives assistance to qualified households under the Rental Voucher Program. Teen parents may also be eligible for rental assistance through the Family Unification Program. Maternity group homes are another option for pregnant teens who are homeless.
Prenatal and Childbirth Education
Many county and hospital programs offer support and education programs for teen parents. Childbirth classes are available to help a teen prepare for childbirth and parenting. In some states, programs funded by the state’s Department of Health Services offer a multi-agency approach in working with pregnant teens. Young mothers are encouraged to stay in school, get prenatal care, and work on resolving family issues surrounding the pregnancy. Counseling programs may often assist expectant teen parents in finding childcare and developing parenting and job skills.
Coping With the Pregnancy
According to the Mayo Clinic, teen pregnancy can have a far-reaching emotional impact. The pregnancy not only affects the teen, but can also affect her parents, the baby’s father and his family. There are many factors to consider when it comes to the choices a pregnant teen must make. Reactions common among teens and their parents include shock, denial, anger, fear and anxiety related to the pregnancy. However, this is a time for parents to help a pregnant teen to understand the options and challenges she faces. A hospital or county social worker may be able to help a teen obtain the prenatal and other health care she needs throughout pregnancy, in addition to financial assistance and counseling support. A counselor may also guide a teen and her parents in discussions about the young woman’s options, goals for the future, and the means to achieve them. Counselors often serve as mediators between pregnant teens and their parents as families work through the difficult issues confronting them.
References
- Planned Parenthood: Prenatal Care for Pregnant Teens
- Focus on the Family: The Benefits of Counseling for a Pregnant Teen
- Project ABC: Pregnant Teens—Early Intervention
- Mayo Clinic: Teen Pregnancy—Help your teen handle pregnancy
- American Bar Association Healthy Teen Network: Helping Pregnant and Parenting Teens Find Housing
