Teen pregnancy is usually unplanned and can come as a shock to the teenagers involved and their parents. While it might be difficult to approach your teen about such a sensitive subject, communication is necessary in order to assure that your child knows her options and the associated consequences. By familiarizing yourself with teen pregnancy resources, you will be better equipped to assist your teenager in deciding whether to become a teen parent.
Teen Parent Homes
When a girl becomes pregnant, sometimes parents are unable to support or help their daughter. Some programs focus on this type of situation. Some states provide second chance homes, where pregnant teenagers learn how to survive on their own and raise their children. Religion-based homes, teen pregnancy shelters and maternity homes also can aid teenagers in making the best choices when faced with an unplanned pregnancy.
Adoption
Adoption is a common choice for teenagers who are not ready to become parents but are unwilling to terminate the pregnancy. There are options if your daughter decides to put her child up for adoption. In an open adoption, the birth parents or parent have the right to keep in contact with the child. A closed adoption, on the other hand, is characterized by no exchange of identifying information between the adoptive and birth parents. Other possible considerations include placing the child with a parent, relative or into state-run foster care.
Abortion
Depending on your family's beliefs, abortion could be an option for your pregnant teen. Since abortion is a medical procedure, parental consent is mandatory for females under the age of 18. Terminating a pregnancy cannot be undone, so having open communication on the subject with your daughter is key to avoiding psychological problems later. Depending on how long your daughter has been pregnant, an abortion could be carried out by taking a pill or having a surgical procedure. Counseling should also be discussed.
Keeping the Baby
Deciding to become a parent is a life-changing decision, and if this is the option your teen chooses, there are many ways to find help, from literature to financial assistance. Most important, your daughter needs to know that you will be there for her. During the pregnancy, there are steps that must be taken to ensure the mother and child stay as healthy as possible. This happens through regular prenatal care, a healthy diet, exercise and abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
