Finding out that you’re pregnant as a teenager isn’t easy. You may be faced with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Especially in the early months, it can be tough to come to terms with the big changes you’re undergoing.
But then, something starts to change. Whether you’ve chosen parenthood or adoption, you suddenly want to make sure you’re having a healthy pregnancy. You may start Googling “teenage pregnancy tips” and looking for advice for pregnant teenagers.
Whether you’re in the earlier, more uncertain stages of your pregnancy or already making doctor’s appointments, the team at Texas Adoption Center wants you to remember that you can have a healthy, happy pregnancy. And there is help available, both during the pregnancy and beyond.
Read on for health advice for pregnant teenagers. And if you want to learn more about adoption and the other options you have, reach out to Texas Adoption Center today.
Advice for Pregnant Teenagers: Trimester-by-Trimester
Pregnancy is divided into trimesters, so teenage pregnancy tips should be, too. Below, we have provided essential healthy pregnancy advice for pregnant teens at each stage.
First Trimester
In the first trimester, your body is already working hard to provide essential nutrition to your baby. That means you need to give your body what it needs: healthy vitamins and nutrients.
One of the first and most important steps to take after you find out you are pregnant is finding a balanced prenatal vitamin containing plenty of folic acid. Many vitamins are important throughout pregnancy, but folic acid is particularly important in the early stages to prevent neural tube defects. Your doctor can help you find the perfect prenatal vitamin.
Speaking of doctors, it’s time to schedule your first appointment to see one as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Before your visit, write down any questions or concerns you have so you don’t forget to address them during the appointment.
In the meantime, remember to get plenty of rest. It’s normal to feel tired in the first few weeks. Take naps if you can, and try to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Recap of 1st Trimester Tips for Pregnant Teens
Here’s a quick recap of the best tips for your first trimester as a pregnant teenager.
- Take prenatal vitamin containing folic acid
- Schedule first doctor’s appointment
- Take frequent naps and eat healthy foods
Second Trimester
During the second trimester, you’re probably beginning to show a bit of a baby bump. This is an important time to continue the healthy habits you started during the first trimester: taking a prenatal vitamin, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of rest.
If you aren’t already doing some light exercise, talk to your doctor about what kind of physical activity is safe for you at this stage of the pregnancy. For most expectant mothers, moderate exercise is safe and healthy during the second trimester.
Also, be sure you’re eating not just healthy food but enough food in general. Your body is working overtime right now, and it’s important to feed it so it can help the baby grow. For most pregnant women, somewhere around 2,200 calories per day is normal during the second trimester, but talk to your doctor about your unique needs.
Recap of 2nd Trimester Tips for Pregnant Teens
Here’s a quick recap of the best tips for your second trimester as a pregnant teenager.
- Continue healthy habits
- Exercise as directed by your doctor
- Eat enough food – usually around 2,200 calories
Third Trimester
You’ll want to bump up the calorie intake a bit during the third trimester, when the average daily calorie intake is around 2,400 per day. Keep taking that prenatal vitamin, and start researching the actual process of giving birth. That second part helps you prevent as many surprises as possible on the big day.
You may be experiencing a few new issues at this stage of the pregnancy, including acid reflux and trouble sleeping. Your doctor can help you explore options like diet changes or antacid medications for heartburn and acid reflux. For difficulty sleeping, try a pregnancy pillow, different positions, and speak with your doctor.
Recap of 3rd Trimester Tips for Pregnant Teens
Here’s a quick recap of the best tips for your third trimester as a pregnant teenager.
- Eat enough food – usually around 2,400 calories
- Research the birthing process
- Explore options for managing new pregnancy symptoms
Teen Pregnancy Resources
As a pregnant teen, you may feel like you’re stuck in a difficult place. But you have a wealth of resources at your fingertips. Here are some resources to check out for teen pregnancy advice, tips, and assistance:
- Texas Adoption Center. At Texas Adoption Center, we offer a wide variety of services to expectant mothers throughout the state of Texas. Some of our services include financial assistance, medical, housing, counseling, transportation, and legal counsel.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics. This comprehensive guide from the leading children’s health organization in the U.S. provides hundreds of helpful teenage pregnancy tips.
- The Nurse-Family Partnership. This nonprofit organization pairs expectant mothers with professional nurses who provide parenting education, health checks, and resources during and after pregnancy.
Each of the above resources has a wealth of advice for pregnant teenagers. Still, it’s important to remember that only your healthcare provider can provide health advice that is specific to you and your pregnancy.
Health Advice for Pregnant Teenager
Our best health advice is to contact your doctor with any questions or concerns. A medical professional is the best person to speak with regarding your unplanned pregnancy. That being said, we’ve mentioned a few tips that can help keep you and baby healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Tip #1
Get a great prenatal vitamin and take it consistently. Make sure the vitamin contains folic acid and take the correct amount as directed.
Tip #2
Eat the appropriate amount of calories for the trimester you’re in. Texas Adoption Center is here to help if you have issues getting the right amount or kinds of foods.
Tip #3
Engage in moderate exercise. Keeping active is good for you in general, but it’s especially helpful if you’re pregnant.
Tip #4
Do research on the birthing process. The more knowledge you have, the better! Your doctors and your support system (like Texas Adoption Center) are ready to either answer any questions you have or get you in touch with someone who can provide more information.
Teenage Pregnancy? You Have Real Options
Don’t let the world tell you that you don’t have options. If there’s one piece of advice for pregnant teenagers that really matters, it’s this: You do have options, and Texas Adoption Center is ready to help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
In other words, no matter what else you have going on in your life, we’re here for you. Whether you need to load up on teenage pregnancy tips or want to learn more about placing a baby for adoption, we’re ready to hear from you.
All you have to do is reach out. Any time of the day or night, you can contact us online, call us at 512-893-7943, email us at hello@texasadoptioncenter.org, or text us at 361-461-3742.
