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Expert Q&A
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| By Mary Dailey Addictions Counselor | ||
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I'm 13 and pregnant. What should I do? The good thing about this is that my parents already know. I'm four months along and have had thoughts about keeping my unborn and maybe giving her up for adoption. What do you think?
You have some very big decisions to make and I am glad you have talked with your parents. It will be important to also talk with your school about what programs they offer for you. Depending on your district, they may have a special program for expectant mothers, including some classes on child care and pregnancy. I think it would also be wise to talk with a counselor at an adoption agency and see what your options are. In many communities, there are also agencies that work with pregnant teens and offer classes, prenatal counseling and help in making your decisions about adoption or keeping your unborn.
At 13, it is very important that you continue your education and so I encourage you to stay in school. I hope you can find a program in your school district that will also enable you to continue your education should you decide to keep your unborn. Some schools offer day care and parenting classes. These programs will help you to manage the difficulties of being a young mother and a student.
Last quarter, I had a student in my class who had a baby in twelfth grade; she had to work very hard to take care of herself and her child. She is now in college and told me that she is missing the social life and gets very tired trying to get her studying done when her child is sleeping. I know she is very motivated to do well and she is very organized with her school time. I think it would be important for you to talk with other girls who have faced this same issue and I hope you find a counselor that can help you."
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