young nad pregnant

[j_kress]

hi im 16 years old and will be 17 in 4 months i have had the same boyfriend for 3 years who is 2 years older than me im a junior in high school i get straight a's play sports and lead an active life i've always been popular and never had problems with my friends or family. Than yesterday i found out i was pregnant the only person i have told was my cousin who told me about this site. i dont know how to tell my family or my boyfriend he is supposed to be leaving for college in a month and im scared he wont go. i also dont know what i should do first are there certain things i shouldn't eat? should i stop exercising? i also dont know wether or not i keep going to school??
any advice or words of wisdom would be very helpful i feel very alone

[tmv]

I agree with the others.  You need to tell someone.  Most importantly right now, you need to get to a dr.  There are a lot of tests that they need do to keep the two of you healty. You may need extra iron but your labwork will need to be obtained first. Also, they will check to see if you are RH + or RH -.  If you are RH-, you will need to get a Rhogam vaccine to prevent miscarriage.  Please go asap to a dr and best of luck in your pregnancy.  It's hardest to tell that first person, and you've already done that.  So, the more you tell the better support you will get that you need.

[jenstam]

I was 17 when I got pregnant. My daughter is now 15. I can't imagine life without her. It is tough, but many times it works out better than you think it will. My parents handled it well and I thought they would kill me! I weighed all of my options before deciding to keep her. Just make sure you do the right thing and definitely continue your education. It will pay off in the future for you and your child. Maybe your boyfriend can find a school that is in the area and go to that one instead? Or maybe you can go live with him once you are done with school. It is not the end of the world, but there will be obstacles that you will have to overcome. Otherwise, take your prenatal vitamins, don't eat deli meats or much fish and get lots of rest. Cut down on caffeine if you drink much of it and most of all try to enjoy your pregnancy. You have a life inside of you and that is an amazing thing. Congrats and good luck!

[Kate987]

A guy I go to school with is a sophomore in college and him and his girlfriend who is 17 just had an unplanned pregnancy.  They told their parents and they handled it pretty well.  It is important to be upfront with everyone, it's something I've learned the hardway about.  My friend in high school got pregnant junior year and stayed in school, had the baby and came back to graduate.  Please just do not give up on school.  Best of luck to you!

[tina1111]

Is bf going away to college or local? Staying in school and getting an education to support the child is extremely important. He needs to know soon. The two of you can discuss the impact it will have on both of your lives and the child's. Everything will work out. After you two have discussed it and gotten used to the idea it's time to tell the parents. They all react differently. Mine would have been disappointed in me at 1st, but after letting it sink in would have helped any way they could. Most high schools have a continuing education program if the school won't let you stay. Don't miss out on your education, though, either one of you. Good luck and God Bless all 3 of you!

[Jlea83]

I too had a child young (17) and i must say that not finishing school was the worst thing! Please go to school, if you feel you cant face your school with this then do a stay at home program.And you should start taking vitamins.I agree with everyone else tell your bf first then the both of you should tell your parents.Having someone there with you helps!

[discourage]

Always be honest with your family especially your boyfriend.  Everything will work out. Keep in mind of your options, always know that adoption is an option. If you feel you can't take care of this baby on your own there are alot of wonderful couples out there that are looking to adopt. Good luck in your journey.

[anxiousmomtobe?]

The first thing you need to do is tell your bf.  The the tow of you need to go tell you parents.  I know that will be very hard but you are going to really need their help.

Then you need to decide if you will carry the child.  I am personally pro-life but I was young, single and pregnant once too so I have compassion for anyone in your situation.

If you are going to have this baby, can you raise it?  Will you have the financial means and the family support to do so?  If you are unsure, investigate adoption, in fact you should really investigate all your options.

I am sure you are scared, embarrassed and confused.  If you were my daughter (I have one who will be sixteen in May) I would want you to come to me right away so we could work out a plan together.

Your parents are going to be upset, but remember they love you, even when you mess up.  Together you may be able to salvage this situation.

[Jenni0125]

Well to start be honest with your boyfriend and parents. I was pregnant at 16 as well and It will all work out for the best trust me. As for things you shouldn't eat just Michigan fish that are high in mercury. I live in Michigan so I'm not sure where you live. Light exercise is fine if you have been doing it before the pregnancy but always talk to a DR. There are a few options I myself do not belive in abortion but you have choices to make. Remember there are always Familys who are looking for children who can't carry them thereselves.