new but not really

I used to get on this site a lot but I haven't in a long time.. I just wanted to tell you all the news that I'm pregnant. And 17 years old. And I don't have the first clue on how to cope with this. Any advice?

Justagirl,

Honey, we are all just a girl, or were at one time. Do your parents know about the pregnancy and if so, will they support you emotionally through this? If not, is there other family who might? Or good friends who might? You do have choices and whatever you decide should be YOUR decision, nobody else's.

Try to find a counselor who can help you re these issues. Reach out and ask for help. If you want to private message me, go right ahead.
Best,
PrairieCat
(Hug)

My girlfriend and I just celebrated our child first birthday. She had a son at the age of 19. So our daughter is 1 and her son is 11 now. She made it threw her senior year pregnant. All I can say is see a doctor early for both your mental heath and physical health. Try as much as possible to educate yourself on your mood disorder and what changes are happening with your body. even though our child wasn't planned it has been the most amazing experience. stay positive.

I can relate and please feel free to PM me. I was diagnosed with depression when I was very young, as an adult (and very recently) that was c hanged to Bipolar 1 disorder. I had my first son when I was 17, pregnant at 16, and I know MANY successful moms who had children very young. Speaking out about teen mothers is a passion of mine.

Please feel free to connect with me if you'd like to

I haven't told anyone except my boyfriend and my friend who actually got me a pregnancy test. I don't know how to just come out and tell anyone.... I've been having terrible morning sickness ans have no idea how to cope with this and work. One lady I work for has a husband with a compromised immune system so she doesn't want me there if I'm "sick" . So I'm losing out on a paycheck the longer I am "sick" because I don't know how to tell her that he can't catch pregnancy. Especially since my parents don't know yet.

Honesty is the best policy even when it's hard. Keep it simple and make sure to give them time to understand. It'll be hard on your parents at first. If it'd make you feel more comfortable have someone you've told be there with you. Go in non confrontational and just lay it on the table. If you are worried about them pushing you to do something you don't want to do have a list of what you see as options. If you are leaning one specific direction have your reasons ready. It's your choice in the end what you do. If you need to talk feel free.

-Tig

Hello Just a girl, the more support you can get around you the better. Check with your doctor for any support too. Make sure you rest and eat healthily even if you feel sick. And you know, I'm going to say congratulations, this is a wonderful thing to happen! Hugs

Thank you. I haven't told my parents yet.. I can't seem to find the right time.

You will never find the right time because such a thing doesn't exist. Either blurt it out, or, if you can't, start seeking medical care by yourself. In your state, can you go to Planned parenthood without informing your parents?

If you hope to carry to term, as a teen, you probably should be with Planned Parenthood, because they provide prenatal care to young girls all the time. OB-GYNs in private practice these days are dealing with 30+ year old women who have very different issues in their pregnancies. So PP is better. On the other hand, if you have been taking psych meds, and are considering having a baby, you need to have your pdoc and ob-gyn talk betwixt each other to help you make a call, because it is a tough call, and you might need an ob-gyn who specializes in caring for pregnant psych patients.

Are you at least normal weight for your age? Are your hips wider than your waist? Hav3 you been eating well for the past few months? Are you taking prenatal vitamins? I think you ne3d 800 mg of folate in the first trimester, to prevent neural tube defects... this is a tough one... as someone said, have a talk with your school counselor who I am sure knows how to help pregnant teens navigate the health care system, talk to parents, etc.

If you are taking psych drugs, look up whether they are teratogenic.

Oh, ok. Read your signature. So you are not on meds. I would say go for it, because if that is true that you are bipolar, it might eventually get to that point when you have to take teratogenic drugs, so now just might be the best time to have a baby... 17 is not that young.

I prolonged MANY things/conversations in my life waiting for the "right" time. I know its an uncomfortable conversation to have but...the sooner the better. You gota tell your parents.

Just to update you all, I have a perfectly healthy baby boy and I wouldn't trade him for the world. He changed my whole life. <3

I'm so happy that it worked out for you- congrats!