Teenage Pregnancy: Keeping The Baby
The issue of teenage pregnancy is something that people need to be serious of. Unfortunately, there are still many areas all over the world wherein sex education is not provided to the teenagers. Some countries are still conservation, which is why the topics about sex are considered taboo in an educational institution. The effect of this is that many young individuals fail to take into consideration the consequences when they engage in unprotected sex.
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This is the primary reason why many girls experience teenage pregnancy. If you are one of these teens, do not worry because things will get better soon. Remember that having a baby at a young age may not be something that you want but since it already happened, now is the right time to move on and start planning for your future. In this article, we are going to provide some of the things that you need to know about keeping the baby:
The Boyfriend Needs To Know
Take note that there are two persons involve when it comes to pregnancy. Regardless of the level of relationship that you have with the father of your child, it is important that he becomes aware of your current situation. He deserves to know that you are having a baby. However, be sure to avoid having expectations after talking to your boyfriend. Just like you, he may also be confused to the point that he would want to run away from the obligations.
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Never Beg Him To Stay
Just because you have become pregnant does not mean that you need to get married to the other person. Keep in mind that starting a family is not the solution to your problem, especially if you have no idea what to do. Forcing someone to stay with you would only lead to bigger issues in the future. Nonetheless, if it is your boyfriend who insists on staying together, then that is a different scenario. When that happens, then be open to sharing the journey with him.
“Even if the father isn’t in a position to help support the baby economically,” says Dr. Claire Brindis, PhD, “he can provide emotional support and physical support, in terms of changing diapers and taking care of the child. That’s extremely important.”
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Talk To Your Parents
Remember that your parents need to be aware that you are pregnant. Never keep it secret to them. Always remember that they are the only ones who could help you at this challenging moment in your life. Expect them to get mad at you in the beginning, but it will soon pass away. They would never leave nor turn their back on you because they love you regardless of the mistakes that you did. Find the perfect timing to start a conversation with either or both of them.
“The biggest advice I have is to find an adult you can trust and tell them,” says Dr. Kara Malone, MD. “Don’t hide the pregnancy since you won’t get the prenatal care you need.”
At this point, it is essential to emphasize that it is not yet the end of the world for you. No one wants to get pregnant during the teenage years. However, your reality has changed already. What you have to do is to accept the consequences of your actions and to live with it. Keep yourself busy in preparing for your labor and early motherhood. With the assistance and guidance of your loved ones, everything will become easier.
“We have to teach them that pregnancy is not a set outcome of something pleasurable. What we want [these teenagers] to realize the responsibility that is a gift given to those who are bound to each other for a lifetime,” stresses Dr. Jean S. Tay.
