“The increase in number of teen pregnancies is a result of the cutback in youth community resources over the last 8 years,” said Michele Ozumba, the director of Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention.

Life Decisions

So if you find out that your teenage daughter is pregnant, there are several decisions that both of you need to make.  The different stories on teenage pregnancy will give you an idea about some of the consequences that these decisions may bring.

First of all, you’ve got to decide what you’re going to do with the baby.  Are you going for abortion, adoption, or will you keep the baby?

Another major decision is what you’re going to do with the boyfriend of your teenage girl.  Will you push him to marry your daughter?  Or will you let them finish their college studies first before they get married – this would mean waiting for about 5-6 years (assuming that they still want it by then)?

The Costs

It is expensive to be pregnant and have a baby.  According to stories on teenage pregnancy, normal deliveries would range from $3,000 to $5,000 (more if there will be complications).  Then there are maternity clothes, diapers, formula, baby bottles, baby toys, and baby clothes.

Aside from financial costs, consider also the time that you will spend with your grandchild if your daughter still lives with you.  Will you be the one to take care of the baby when your daughter is in school?  Or do you need to hire a babysitter?

Reflections

Some teenagers are lucky if their parents will help and support them during their pregnancy.  However, some teenagers reveal taking care of themselves and their babies single-handedly.

Aside from emotional and psychological difficulties, some heath risks are also involved in giving birth at a young age.  “Since teenagers will most likely have low birth weight, this is another cause of concern,” says Edward Sondik, the Director for National Center Health Statistics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

When you ask girls to share their stories on teenage pregnancy, they would tell you that they’ll practice either abstinence or safe sex if they could turn back the hands of time.  It’s because most of them became bitter from losing their childhood too early.