5 Things You Need to Know About Teenage Pregnancy

1. Know Your Risks

Teen pregnancy comes with an increased set of risks because of the young age of the teen mom. These risks include increased blood pressure during the pregnancy, low birth weight and pre-term birth. You may need to stop playing sports for a short period of time as well to limit the risk to both you and your baby. Although these risks are mild, they are a reason to avoid getting pregnant until your body grows into its full adult size.

2. Teenage Pregnancy To Do's (And To Don't)

You need to avoid all drugs and alcohol during your pregnancy, just like every other pregnant woman. To reduce the risk of problems and birth defects, make sure you get regular prenatal care and take your prenatal vitamins. Also, know that if you are still having sex, you could contract diseases that could harm your baby. Smoking puts the baby at a greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) so stop or try to cut back. Make sure you rest and eat a well balanced diet, because your body is still busy growing while growing a baby at the same time, so this is especially important.

3. Get Much Needed Support

Teenage pregnancy is a demanding time in your life: you are in school, possibly working and trying to do your best to care for yourself and your baby. Many organizations stand ready to help you complete this task. Your first contact should be your parents. They may initially be in shock and might even react poorly, but in time they will adjust to the idea of being grandparents at such a young age. Other options include your church pastor, youth director or women's church group leader. Pregnancy care centers, set up all over the country, help you adjust and give you information about what your options are. Your state may even have a women and infant's care program. This type of program provides things like food, medical care and formula free of charge.

4. Fear is OK

Teenage pregnancy strikes fear in almost everyone involved--you, your boyfriend and your parents. Your parents or boyfriend may think that ending your fear as soon as possible is the best course of action. But, being calm and taking things slowly always gives you the best possible outcome. Make sure you talk to everyone involved, take some time for reflection, call a pregnancy help line and talk to your regular doctor before making any decisions.

5. Don't Turn One Mistake Into Two

Abortion might seem the easy way out of a bad situation, but some women suffer from post abortion syndrome and other medical complications after having the procedure. Make sure you consider all your options and, because pictures don't lie, get an ultrasound picture of your baby before making a decision. You can get a free ultrasound and other equipment from any one of the pregnancy care centers around the country. Contact Option Line at (800) 395-HELP or visit their website (http://www.pregnancycenters.org/) for help with this important decision.