Teen Pregnancy
Being a mother is a wonderful thing, but it can be challenging, especially as a young mother. "Teen pregnancy rates have declined since 1990" , according to HHS. gov. The United States adolescence pregnancy rate in 1990 was 59.9 percent, whilst the occurring rate is near 20.3 percent. However, teen pregnancies still happen. So, if you are a family member supporting a teen mother or are a teen mother yourself, here are some helpful tips and guidelines on how to navigate this adventure.
If you are a teen mother the best thing to do, even though freighting, is to tell an adult, preferably your parents. From there decide your next steps. A unpopular choice is abortion, which I strongly suggest not to do, according to, Womensonwaves.org ,"The medical abortion normally causes side effects such as pain and cramping, as well as bleeding accompanied by the passage of blood clots and tissue. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and hot flashes or fever may also occur." Also, eventually on down the line there is typically a strong sense of guiltiness and anxiety for giving up a baby, but your body, your choice. If you and your loved ones agree to this, then do it safely and find a pregnancy center or women's center in your area. The choice most mothers choose is to continue on with their pregnancy. If this is the option you choose, there are some ways to help yourself and your body to prepare for the baby. It is important to think about whether or not it would be the best decision for you to raise the baby or if it would be better to set up an adoption. In this day and age there are adoptions where you can still see your baby. Here is a website you should visit for more information for adoption https://www.angeladoptioninc.com/unplanned-pregnancy/?.
Your body is about to experience multiple changes in the next nine months. A way to ensure the baby's health is to have regular visits with an OBGYN. This will help you monitor the baby's heart and size, as well as administer the appropriate medications for you and your baby. Stick to a healthy diet, I know this is easier said than done. Especially when you get morning sickness and sick when you eat. So, off the chart if you find something that isn't the worst thing for your body to consume and you can keep down,it's ok to eat that for a time. During a pregnancy there are certain foods you should stay away from, such as: hot dogs, sushi, pre-packaged foods, and anything that you might be unsure of, mommy senses kicking in.
Having trouble with morning sickness? well the only thing that will truly help is chewing on some crushed ice or sucking on some frozen fruit kind of similar to a popsicle. If morning sickness gets to severe then contact a Doctor as soon as possible. There is a possible chance that it could be food poison. Pregnant women are more susceptible and prone to receiving food poison to foods that typically wouldn't make them sick. If you are experiencing your feet swelling then set them in some ice water for five minutes and elevate them so the blood will not be rushing to the swollen site. It might also help to wear tennis shoes with a shoe insert that will also help support your back.
Many women have problems resting in the later stages of pregnancy. The best way to help get more sleep is to find a pregnancy pillow or a body pillow. Relaxing your muscles in a bath before going to bed makes it easier to fall asleep. Getting plenty of exercise is important for both mommy and baby. Do not do extensive exercises while pregnant for it can unintentionally harm the baby. Water, Water, Water. It is very important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can causes issues in a pregnancy. Take Vitamins if okayed by OBGYN. The baby needs as many carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and all the things your body will need as well, reminder you are now treating two instead of one.
Try to refrain from risky behaviors. Take a few birthing classes you can never be too prepared. To prevent stretch marks rub lotions on your belly, your thighs, and anywhere skin might stretch. Get together a labor team, those who will be with you once you go into labor typically a friend, mom, father to be. The are many ways that a birth can happen: C-section, natural birth, induced labor, modern birth, etc. I would discuss which labor you would like to proceed with, with your OBGYN and your birth team, also if you are planning to put your baby up for adoption the adopting parents are also individuals who should be included in the discussions about the birth and the baby, and should be apart of the birth team. At about the seven month mark you should ready your hospital bag, install the baby's car seat, and set everything up in the nursery. You an never be too prepared or too early. The baby makes most of the decisions and typically the one of which it chooses to appear in the world.
Being a teen is already tough enough without adding on extra stress, but a baby all though early shouldn't be a stressful occurrence. Stress is bad for both baby and mommy. It seems impossible, but you can still go to school, get a job, and go to college. It will just be a bit harder, but you can do it. People will talk, but you shouldn't let it affect you, they were going to talk even if you weren't pregnant.
CONGRATULATIONS.... now that you have had your baby the hard task begins!!!