13 and Pregnant in MO – Help!
Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. When that happens, it is important to remember to take a second to breathe and to think about all the support that you have available. If you are 13 and pregnant, the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. If you don’t have supportive friends or family to turn to, the staff at Adoption Choices of Missouri are kind and welcoming. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with guidance.
There are probably so many thoughts and feelings swirling around inside you at the moment. That is completely natural. Making a plan can help calm these feelings and create stability in your daily life. Here are some steps you can take.
- Find Support throughout Your Pregnancy
This is a life-changing event, and it’s okay to be scared or worried. Finding the right support will ensure that you have someone to lean on throughout your unplanned pregnancy. If you have supportive friends or family, confide in them. If you don’t, feel free to reach out to our welcoming staff at Adoption Choices of Missouri.
Additionally, try googling support groups in your area. There are many groups dedicated to providing a safe space for birth moms or pregnant teenagers. It can be relieving to connect with others who are going through a similar experience to yourself. There are also many anonymous hotlines that can offer you advice or direct you to helpful and free resources.
- Consider Your Three Options
One option for your pregnancy is to choose to place your baby for adoption. Choosing adoption has many benefits for you and your baby. You will have the ability to select your child’s adoptive family. Choosing adoption also means that you can stay in contact with your child if you’d like. You will also have the opportunity to decide if you’d like to maintain a relationship with your child as they grow older. Schedule an initial meeting at Adoption Choices of Missouri to get paired with an adoption caseworker and begin your adoption journey.
Another option is to raise your child. If you have the resources and support to raise your child in a loving and stable home, this might be an option you’d like to think about. Keep in mind that raising a child is a long-term commitment. Take a minute to think about your hopes and dreams for your own future as well. Remember, it is healthy to consider your own needs and desires as you make this decision as well.
Your third option is to terminate the pregnancy. If you do not want to continue with your pregnancy, this is a decision you need to make within twenty-two weeks. After that, it will no longer be possible to receive an abortion in the state of Missouri. Like any of these possibilities, terminating your pregnancy is an emotional decision. If possible, make sure that you talk through any thoughts and feelings that may arise during the decision-making process.
- Create a Plan for Your Pregnancy
No matter what you decide to do, it will be helpful to create a plan. This will help eliminate any more surprises as you move along your chosen path.
For example, if you choose to place your baby for adoption, you will be matched with an adoption caseworker. Your adoption caseworker will help you come up with an adoption plan that will detail many parts of your adoption journey. You’ll be able to include any details about who you’d like to have in the delivery room with you, your preferences for your child’s adoptive family and the type of adoption that you want to have.
If you are choosing to raise your child, creating a plan can include some of the important details that will come up along the way. You might choose a nearby hospital that you’d like to give birth in and schedule your first doctor’s appointment to check on the health of you and your baby. You’ll also want to create a budget for necessary items like baby food, clothes and diapers. It will be helpful to have a supportive adult help you with this process.
Lastly, if you choose to receive an abortion, you’ll need to make plans for this as well. Do some research on nearby clinics in your area. If you have the financial means and healthcare to do so, you can receive this service at your doctor’s office. They will provide you with information and the resources you need.
13 and Pregnant in Missouri – Help!
Even if it may feel overwhelming, there are many options and avenues of support available to you during this time. Remember, you are certainly not the only person to find themselves in this situation and you are not alone. Adoption Choices of Missouri is available to answer any questions that you may have. Our top priority is the comfort and safety of you and your baby.
doption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 1-816-527-9800
Meet the Author: Molly Doyle is a native San Franciscan, Molly is an experienced educator and a dedicated writer. She holds her multiple subject teaching credential as well as her Masters of Arts in Teaching. When not teaching children or creating new written pieces, Molly can be found kicking around a soccer ball, going for urban hikes or whipping up a fruit pie.
She currently lives in Seattle, her first home outside of California.
