When you find out you’re pregnant as a teenager, it can be pretty life-altering. Here are some tips and strategies to help you navigate your next steps.
There are some events in life that change everything. Finding out you’re pregnant can be one of them.
Finding out you’re pregnant as a teen can definitely bring a big shift to what you thought your future would look like.
First, the shock of learning you’re pregnant. Then, wondering how to tell your parents, family, and friends.
How will I finish school? Where to go for medical care? What will my life look like now?
Navigating a teen pregnancy: First steps
First, we recommend: Take a long, deep breath! (And don’t forget to exhale.)
Pregnancy can be scary and overwhelming, especially at first. But pregnancy has been a fact of life since, well, the beginning of time.
And you will get through this.
That doesn’t mean it will be easy. But it doesn’t have to mean giving up your hopes and dreams, either.
Disclaimer: the information in this post is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to substitute for medical care or professional medical advice.
Read next: What are pregnancy options for teens?
Confirming your pregnancy
The first thing you need to do is actually confirm you are pregnant.
Once you have taken a positive pregnancy test, a Pregnancy Resource Center near you that offers limited medical services can schedule an ultrasound with a nurse sonographer.
(They will need to do a pregnancy test in their office, first.)
The best part: All our services are FREE! You don’t need to provide insurance information, either.
We encourage you to bring a friend, boyfriend, or parent with you for support during your ultrasound, if you are comfortable doing so.
Importance of ultrasound (even in early pregnancy)
The purpose of an early ultrasound appointment is to find out three things:
First, it will help pinpoint how far along you are (how many weeks pregnant).
Second, it will be able to tell if the pregnancy is in the uterus – and not an ectopic pregnancy. Approximately 1 out of 50 pregnancies are ectopic, which require immediate medical attention.
Third, it will detect the presence (or absence) of a fetal heartbeat. Since up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage (source), it’s important to know if there is a heartbeat present, or not.
In a nutshell, an ultrasound gives you more information than a pregnancy test alone, and it is essential for your well-being.
Telling your parents
Assuming you still live with your parents, you need to find a way to tell them, if you haven’t already.
Pregnancy Resource Centers like ours have caring staff members that can help you to talk through this news with your parents.
It’s important to be honest with the safe, responsible parents in your life, so that they can help you process this information.
If for some reason you don’t have a parent or adult who takes responsibility for your care – please let the Pregnancy Resource Center staff know this, too.
We want to help you get the support you need during this time, and to make sure you are in a safe environment.
Telling others about your pregnancy
It’s really up to you how soon you choose to announce your pregnancy. But just know that it’s ok to take some time to process this news for yourself, before telling others.
If you are already experiencing nausea (morning sickness), you may need to inform your school if it’s affecting your attendance.
Talk to your counselor first. They should be able to help you with a plan to succeed in school even while pregnant.
Resources for pregnant teens
Here at the Pregnancy Resource Center, we have many programs that can help you when you find out you’re pregnant as a teenager.
We can talk through your pregnancy options, and help you discover a plan that gives you confidence in your future.
It can be hard to learn you’re pregnant while you’re still in school, but you’re never alone.
With the right support, education and resources, you can still pursue the dreams you’ve been holding onto. We’ve watched it happen over and over with our clients!
Contact us or hit the chat widget on your screen to send us a secure message. We’d love to answer your questions and walk alongside you.
Read next:
Teen pregnancy options: I’m pregnant; now what?
What to expect at your first visit to the Pregnancy Resource Center
The most common reasons women keep an unplanned pregnancy
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