Teenage Pregnancy – Support and Advice from a Mother

Teenage Pregnancy is a very taboo topic even in this day and age. Teens are becoming more and more sexually active and in Britain we have the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in western europe according to recent statistics. Well, what do those teenage girls actually do when they find out that they are Pregnant? No matter what I am sure they are going to need a lot of love and support from all their family and friends, believe me I know.

The first thing to remember is that whether you’re a teen who is pregnant or a parent who’s teen has fallen pregnant, we all have lessons to learn that will make us stronger and better in every way and it is not the end of the world!

Teenage Pregnancy Testing

Before you tell anyone that you are pregnant, please make sure you have done a pregnancy test first. My goodness don’t worry yourself and others if you haven’t done one. They are cheap and extremely accurate. I know it can feel a little embarrassing purchasing a testing kit, but it can also put your mind at ease too. You could even nip into your GP and see a doctor of your choice and they will be able to guide and assist you. If you don’t feel like speaking to a family GP then ask for another doctor at your surgery.

The NHS also provide the following ways you can test your teenage pregnancy symptoms.

• First of all take a look at the Symptoms Checker.
• NHS walk in centre’s find your nearest centre by entering a postcode.

The Pregnancy test is positive, Advice on what to do next.

So, you are pregnant, what do you do now? firstly, although you will feel really reluctant and probably slightly sickened by the thought of the telling your parents, please don’t hold back for too long because you will need support, having someone close to you who you can talk through all your options with will be invaluable.

I fell pregnant at the age of 17 and although every precaution was taken it happened and it changed my world forever. I didn’t want to have smelly nappies in my world and sick all over the place not to mention broken sleep, but I would I and truly mean this not change it for the world now. Teenage Pregnancy has always been a taboo subject, and when I had to tell my parents I would rather have moved to another city, country or wherever to get away from the thought of doing so. In my heart of hearts I knew my parents would support me no matter what choice I made, but sitting them both down on the day, which I remember very well actually went much better than I expected.

Telling your parents you are pregnant.

Although, I can’t say every parent will react in a good way to your news, most parents would rather you say something sooner than leave it too long and not be able to support you through the anxious feelings you are having.

My Fathers Reaction

My father’s colour did drain a little and I am sure if he was not sat at the table, he would have fallen over for sure. He followed this moment of dread up with a smile and a simple rub on the back and I will never forget when he said to me “Don’t worry we will support you, I promise”. It was very much like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was far more fearful of telling my father about my teenage pregnancy than my mother, but I knew he was a big softie at heart.

My Mothers Reaction

My mother was slightly different and I instantly knew that her own mothering instincts had taken over. She smiled and told me “everything is going to be ok, me and your dad will help you”. She gave me a hug a little similar to the one’s I received when I was much younger and she continued to hold me for a short while. At this point I was still feeling anxious and happy all at the same time.

Well, that is how I broke the new to my parents and I am sure your parents will be similar to mine. If for some reason they are not or you need to speak to someone else about your teen pregnancy you will find support from your friends or maybe other family members. If you still feel you like these options do not work for you call Who’s talking about, which is a national organisation who will support you and help you overcome your teenage pregnancy fears. If you are not pregnant and you feel you need to learn a little more about contraception then you can find out lots of information about this topic too.  They also have a phone number 0300 1232930 which is a help line for teens under the age of 19.

At the End of the Day it is your choice

You now have a few choices to make and anyone who you have confided in should give you the time you need to think about everything. No one should or deserve to judge you and even if they do they will regret that judgement one day, so take it in your stride.

Although, I like many other mothers who read this blog have gone through this worrying time we have all come out of the other side and now we have children around your age now. I would say live your life if you are not pregnant, but please do not think your life will be over just because you are. I found I headed down a different path to my friends but that path has led me to some really fun and loving times which only a parent would ever understand. If you would like to ask me or any of the mothers who have had children as a teen any questions, you can leave a comment and you will be shown nothing but sincere support. You could also read about my journey as a young mum and learn a little more about how I coped.