Finding out you are pregnant can bring up a lot of feelings and questions. Maybe you’re excited or overwhelmed. Or you’re not sure what you want yet.
If you’re thinking about continuing a pregnancy and becoming a parent, you deserve to take the time to find the information and support to make a decision that feels right for you.
There’s not one “right” path. Your decision is personal and you get to make it without pressure or judgement from anyone.
Deciding whether to continue a pregnancy and become a parent can be a big decision. You may want to think about things like:
- What do I want my future to look like?
- What kind of support or resources do I have?
- What would parenting look like with school, work, or other responsibilities?
- What do I want?
- Try to write down your own expectations vs others
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. A trusted adult, healthcare provider, or other supportive person in your life can help you learn about your options and find resources. Getting information doesn’t mean you’ve made a decision. It means you’re giving yourself more information to make one.
Prenatal Care
If you decide to continue a pregnancy, getting prenatal care can help you stay informed about your health and the pregnancy. Prenatal care is healthcare during pregnancy. Appointments can include checking on your health, monitoring the pregnancy, discussing changes happening in your body and planning for future care.
Your first appointment may include questions about your health and family medical history, an estimated due date, blood work, and other routine screenings. Your healthcare provider can also answer questions about what you can expect throughout pregnancy. Find a clinic near you.
Minor Rights
Being young does not mean you should be left out of conversations about your healthcare. In California, young people have the rights related to accessing certain confidential sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Depending on the service you may be able to receive care without a parent or guardian’s permission. You can also ask questions about your healthcare and talk with your provider about what services and support are available to you.
If you’re pregnant or parenting, you also have the right to continue your education. Being a young parent does not mean you have to give up on your goals for school, work, or the future you see for yourself.
What does support look like?
Pregnancy and parenting can come with a lot of responsibilities and having support can make a difference. Depending on your needs, you may be able to connect with:
- Midwives:
- Midwives provide pregnancy, labor, and birth care particularly for people experiencing a low-risk pregnancy. They can be part of your healthcare team alongside other providers.
- Doulas:
- Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and sometimes after birth. They can also help you communicate your needs and questions to your healthcare team.
- Lactation and Pumping Support
- If you choose to breastfeed/chest feeding or pump milk, you can ask your healthcare provider or school about available support and accommodations.
- Community Support
- Parenting groups, and community organizations can help you find information and share resources with people who understand what you’re going through.
Post Pregnancy Care
Young people should complete their postpartum follow up within 6 weeks of delivery. A medical provider may recommend earlier visits if the person experienced any complication.
Through the process of parenting, your mental health matters. Young people may face higher rates of postpartum depression and anxiety due to a variety of reasons. Ensure you have a trusted adult to talk to, and secure mental health resources through the process.
What about Stigma?
Young people can face a lot of assumptions. People
might make comments about your age, your decisions and what they think your future should look like. Becoming a parent doesn’t erase your goals, or identity. Young parents can continue school and pursue futures that are meaningful to them. Cultivating relationships based on trust is key, talk to the people in your community about your needs. You are the person that gets to figure out what is best for you.
-RJ Intern 💚