Many teen girls find themselves reeling from the news that they’re unexpectedly pregnant. While their boyfriends, parents, friends, and other adults may be pressuring them to seek an abortion Illinois, many girls want to have their babies but can’t see any other way out. If you find yourself in that situation now, remember that life is full of possibilities if you manage your life through your pregnancy in these key ways.
Reach Out for Support
Parents often have your best interests at heart, but they sometimes can’t understand why you won’t want to have an abortion instead of giving your baby life. If you find yourself in that situation, ask other trusted adults who may be able to support your decision and help you talk to your parents to get on board.
Weigh Your Options
Giving your baby life doesn’t mean you have to be the one ready to take care of him or her. Some babies are adopted by other relatives in the family or placed for adoption through agencies or private arrangements. You can decide upfront how much contact you’ll have with your child through the years, so that means you can give your baby a chance at life even if you’re not ready to be a mother yourself.
Find the Right Care
If you’ve decided to keep your baby, you’ll need to find a doctor to help you through your pregnancy. If your parents have health insurance, you may be able to get prenatal care very easily. However, many charities and government agencies help young mothers without insurance, and your school might even have resources to help. If you’ve decided to place your baby for adoption, some prospective parents may even help with your medical or living expenses until you deliver.
Get an Education
You have so much going on now that it may seem like school is the last thing on your mind. However, your future success depends on you continuing your education. You may not be able to be in the classroom for very long during your pregnancy, or you may also choose to take a leave of absence during that time. However, it’s important to set yourself up for success by having a plan mapped out, including for your education. It may make sense for you to go to night school later, or you could set up an arrangement for remote learning or summer school if that’s something offered in your school district.
Follow Your Dreams
It may not seem like it now, but your dreams are still possible even if you decide to keep your baby. Sure, your future will look different than you expected and it might take you longer to get there, but life isn’t over when you become a mother. In fact, many mothers find they are more motivated to get their lives together once their children are born.
Getting pregnant as a teenager is scary, emotional, and even difficult in some ways and requires some extra care in managing your life through it. However, giving your baby a chance at life, whether you keep your baby or choose adoption, is an immense gift that will literally last a lifetime.
