I’m 15 and Pregnant – Help!
Being fifteen isn’t always easy. There is so much going on, and sometimes it can all feel pretty overwhelming. If you are 15 and pregnant, then things could be even more complicated. You’ve probably got a lot of different feelings running around inside you right now, and that’s completely natural. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone and that you do have support available to you.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, Adoption Choices of Missouri can help you navigate these uncharted waters. Our staff is available to answer questions and provide resources and support. If you are wondering what to do next, here are some helpful tips.
Find the Support Available to You if You’re 15 and Pregnant
Facing emotional and life-changing events alone can be almost impossible. If you have recently found out that you are pregnant, confide in someone that you can trust. They can be a friend, a family member or anyone you feel safe with.
Sharing your news can have a number of positive benefits. For one, you will have someone to confide your feelings in. Pregnancy can be an emotional journey and you will have some big decisions to make; so, it can be helpful to have someone to talk to. Additionally, this person can help you make decisions and be your support throughout your pregnancy.
If you don’t have someone in your life who you can trust, come to our adoption agency. We welcome birth mothers of all ages and backgrounds. We will pair you with an adoption caseworker who can be your support and guide you through your available options.
Inform Your Parents or Guardians of Your Teenage Pregnancy
This part may seem very intimidating or downright scary. Depending on your individual situation, your parents or guardians may have different reactions. While it might seem tempting to put this conversation off for as long as you can, it won’t be possible to delay forever. Eventually, your baby bump will begin to show and it will become clear that you are pregnant. Additionally, your parents or guardians may be able to help with financial and emotional decisions in the long-run.
Preparing exactly what you are going to say can also be helpful. This will likely be a difficult conversation, but planning for it will help alleviate some of the anxiety. If you have a trusted friend, practice out loud with them. Remember, no matter your parents’ reactions, you deserve kindness and support as you begin this journey.
Create an Adoption Plan for Your Teenage Pregnancy
You have three options available to you moving forward. You can choose to place your baby for adoption, raise your child, or terminate your pregnancy. There is no right choice, only the one that is best for you.
If you choose to place your baby for adoption, your first step will be to schedule an initial meeting at Adoption Choices of Missouri. We will pair you with an adoption caseworker who will be your guide throughout your adoption journey. There are many benefits to choosing adoption, including the ability to select your child’s adoptive family, receive financial support (if you are eligible) and remain in contact with your child if you choose.
Another option available to you is to raise your child. This is a life-long commitment and comes with its own unique challenges and rewards. You will need to think about details regarding finances, home environment and your own life ambitions.
Finally, you can choose to have an abortion. If you are considering this option, you will need to make a decision before you are twenty-two weeks pregnant. After that time, abortions are illegal in the state of Missouri. You can google nearby clinics in your area or, if you have healthcare, you can have the procedure done at your doctor’s office.
Whichever road you take, there will be many heavy emotions and big decisions to make along the way. Reach out for support whenever you need it. If you don’t have the support of your friends or family, try googling support groups in your area. There are many different groups dedicated to created a safe space for birth mothers, teenage mothers or women and girls going through an abortion. Our adoption agency also offers counseling services throughout your pregnancy, the adoption process and post adoption as well.
15 and Pregnant – Help!
The most important things to remember if you are 15 and pregnant are that you are not alone and you deserve kindness and support. Confide in the people around you who will love and care for you no matter what. If someone is not treating you well, find support elsewhere. Our staff at Adoption Choices of Missouri are always available to help. Our top goal is to make sure that you begin your adoption journey in a confident, safe and educated way.
Adoption 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.