Normally we associate pregnancy with a special and beautiful moment, but this is not always the case. A pregnancy changes your life, and in the case of teen pregnancy more still. They need our support more than ever, even if you don't know what to do right now. Today we talk about what to do if your daughter becomes pregnant in adolescence or if your son is going to be a father.
It is a fact that happens a lot today, even with the knowledge and measures that are available to you on sexual protection. Thousands of teenagers become pregnant and will have to face many difficulties. Emotionally it is a brutal shock, both for the adolescent and for the family. It is normal to feel many emotions ranging from grief, anger, anger, shock, frustration, disappointment, and guilt. No parent wants that for their children, but we cannot deny that it has happened and is happening. Your emotions are totally valid and normal, it is necessary to work on them to process what happened. You can talk to someone you trust or a professional who helps you overcome and manage these feelings.
Your daughter or son is also suffering from very strong emotions such as fear, shock, anxiety or even depression. Her world is reeling, and her vain concerns of a normal teenager become very important and can change her life forever. Having the information will make us better deal with this situation, now your daughter or son needs you more than ever. Good communication between you will be useful to make the best decision for her or him, without imposing your will on this teenage pregnancy.
If it is your son who is going to be a father, he will also have very intense emotions that overwhelm him. You also need your parents in these times of confusion so you can talk and lean on them. It is important that they accept their responsibilities, without forcing them to marry.
What options does our teenage daughter have with pregnancy?
- Continue with the pregnancy. In this option you continue with the pregnancy and stay with the baby. It would be convenient to analyze what are the challenges and responsibilities, and what are the supports for you to continue studying. Take her to the doctor as soon as possible so that she receives the necessary prenatal help.
- Give the baby up for adoption. It is another available option, where the baby is given up for adoption to another family. Investigate the types of adoption in your country and the emotional consequences it would entail for your daughter.
- End the pregnancy. Another option is to end the pregnancy so that it does not continue. Also we must analyze the emotional costs that it would entail go through your daughter for an abortion. For this option you also have to know in advance, and many adolescents hide their pregnancy from their parents for fear of disappointing them. In many cities there are associations specialized in supporting women in this situation, where they give you all the information you need to make a neutral decision.
Changes in the life of your pregnant teenage daughter
The first changes will begin in lifestyle habits throughout the pregnancy. You will not be able to live a teenage life, since you will not be able to party, smoke, drink, much less drugs. You will need to avoid excess caffeine, watch your diet, and get plenty of rest.
The prenatal visits They will be marked by the doctor, where you will be tested for urine and blood, screening for sexually transmitted diseases and see if you were exposed to diseases such as measles, rubella or mumps.
According to the decision what to take regarding the baby the doubts will be different. If she continues with the pregnancy, who will take care of the baby? Will she have to drop out of school? Will the father participate in the baby's life? Who will take care of the baby financially? It is important that you establish to what extent can you help both economically and in terms of care. Finishing school is important for your future work, so that you can access better jobs, and have a better future.
Because remember… it is important that your daughter or son feels your support and is a person to whom they can turn.