I’m too young to be pregnant! What should I do?
Having a pregnancy at 14 years old can be scary and overwhelming!
But, you can make it through it with the right help.
If you just found that you’re pregnant or wondering what your options are, stay tuned. We’re going to break it down and explain your options.
Create a Support System
Let’s face it—being pregnant is a stressful situation!
That said, you should not deal with this alone. A strong support system, or people who can provide assistance, are important.
These people will provide encouragement during the hard times and celebrate the good times.
Many pregnant people have a family that they can rely on to support them.
Telling your parents that you are pregnant can be hard! But it can be done successfully.
Create a plan for how to tell your parents. Decide where and how you’ll tell your parents.
Also, anticipate a lot of questions—like who the father is or how long you’ve been pregnant.
Preparation is key and can help you better answer questions without getting overwhelmed!
Just a note: if your pregnancy is due to rape, tell a trusted adult or the local authorities immediately.
Are Your Pregnant at 14 Years Old? Here are Your Options
1. Become a Parent
Parenting can be a joyful experience. However, becoming a parent isn’t always easy—even for adults!
That being said, becoming a parent at 14 won’t be a walk in the park.
Babies need care 24-hours a day, which means you will need to make sacrifices. You might have to give up spending time with friends or doing your favorite hobbies.
It will also affect your schooling and may set back your education.
Additionally, you must realize that having a baby is expensive!
In many states, according to child labor laws, 14-year-olds cannot legally work for pay. Not all states are the same; however, you should check your local child labor laws.
That is a lot of information to consider. But, at the end of the day, it comes down to whether you are ready to take on this responsibility.
There are several options to make parenting work. For example, you might consider having your parents raise the child while you mature and complete your education.
Depending on your family structure, this arrangement may be the best option for you and your family.
As said before, parenting is a big responsibility, may not be for everyone. Continue reading to learn about other options when facing a pregnancy at 14 years old.
2. Terminate the Pregnancy
Termination is a difficult topic to talk about at any age; however, it’s an appropriate decision for some.
Termination, or abortion, can be a difficult decision to make and is emotionally taxing.
Despite this, if you think abortion is right for you, it’s important to talk with a trusted adult or medical professional to evaluate your situation.
Also, you may want to seek legal counsel. Abortion laws are different in each state.
For example, according to Texas abortion law, 14-year-olds can have abortions. However, you have to get the permission of at least one parent before you are allowed to have the procedure performed.
Even more, according to Texas law, you do not need permission from the father of your baby to have an abortion. On the other hand, if your boyfriend wants an abortion, you don’t have to have one.
Termination is a hard decision to make, but it is a useful option if you are determined to finish school or pursue other endeavors.
3. Place Your Baby for Adoption
If you don’t feel ready to become a parent or choose abortion is the right choice for you, adoption is another option.
Adoption is a rewarding experience for many women because they get to help families who cannot have children.
As a minor, you get to make this decision for yourself. In many states, you do not have to get permission from your parents to place a baby for adoption.
Also, you don’t need the permission of the baby’s father—if you aren’t married—to place a baby for adoption.
Although, it is advised that you speak with your parents or an adoption specialist before you begin the process.
The adoption process for birth mothers starts when you contact an adoption center.
Dealing with a pregnancy at 14 years old is not something you have to handle alone. A good adoption center will have a variety of services to help you throughout the pregnancy. They may help you find a doctor to monitor you throughout the pregnancy. Or, they may even have financial services for pregnant women that help you pay for transportation and hospital bills.
Once you’ve committed to adoption, the adoption agency will help you make an adoption plan. This plan will outline the type of adoption you want, who the adopting family is, and any other unique details that you’d like to add.
For instance, if you’d like to the adopting family to send you updates on your birth child, you can note this in your adoption plan.
Adoption is a wonderful option, but it can be difficult for the birth mother.
There are many adoption support groups that you may want to seek out if you choose adoption.
Likewise, reading about other teen pregnancy experiences may help with the emotional burden.
All in all, adoption is a challenging decision to make. But, if you make it for the right reasons, you can make peace.
Talk to a Professional
Now that you know all about your options for your pregnancy at 14 years old, you are ready to make the first step forward.
Take some time to really think about what you want in this situation. Also, talk to a trusted family member or friend.
It’s going to be okay, and you have the strength to get through this!
Texas Adoption Center is a loving adoption center that can help you choose the option that works best for you.
Not only is Texas Adoption Center modern and professional, but they are also filled with people who want to help girls just like you. They are warm, caring, and dedicated to your happiness and wellbeing.
In the end, they want to empower you to make choices that will lead to your success and happiness.
You deserve to feel empowered and strong, and Texas Adoption Center can help you build a strong foundation for your future.
If you are unsure about what to do or which option is best for you, call Texas Adoption Center at 512-893-7943 or text them at 361-461-3742.
