How to Deal with Pregnancy as a Teenager

Pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting thing for some people. However, an unwanted or unexpected pregnancy can feel less wonderful and extremely terrifying, especially if you’re just a teenager. Dealing with pregnancy as a teenager can be a scary and lonely-feeling experience as you navigate through the unfamiliar territory. Take a few deep breaths and know that you are not alone. You will come out the other side of this. 

In the age of information, you have everything you need to know at your fingertips, and  Adoption Choices of Kansas is here to answer all of your questions and calm those nerves. When dealing with pregnancy and what to do next, it’s crucial to educate yourself as much as possible. We hope that we can provide you with the needed information to make informed decisions and put your mind at ease. 

Know Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options

It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. You have options. Just because you’re still young doesn’t mean you have to choose any particular option in order to live a good life. Pregnancy as a teenager doesn’t mean your life is over. You have three options once the strip turns pink, and we’re here to go through them with you and answer any questions. 

• Parenting

Parenting as a teen isn’t out of the question. If you have a support system and want to keep your baby, you can do that. Juggling school work and having a baby isn’t the easiest option, but it is possible if it’s what you want. Parenting isn’t for everyone, and it may not be for you. 

• Pregnancy Termination

Choosing to terminate the pregnancy may be the obvious choice for you as a pregnant teen. If you’re still just trying to navigate being a teenager and passing algebra, now might not be the best time to tackle parenthood. Make sure to talk with a doctor and ask about the termination process and the mental and physical effects. Abortion laws differ from state to state, and requirements are different if you’re under 18. 

• Adoption

Adoption is a beautiful way to assure you and your baby get the best chance at life. Pregnancy and parenthood are enormous challenges, and it’s not for everyone. If you have a support system and a safe environment for pregnancy, adoption could be an excellent option for you. 

Choosing Adoption in Kansas

If you’ve decided to choose adoption, you’ve made a beautiful and selfless choice. At any age, you may not be ready or wanting to parent, and that’s okay! When you choose adoption, you’re not only giving your baby a chance at a full life, but you’re also allowing yourself to live your own life as well. We will walk you through our entire adoption process, from finding doctors to selecting an adoptive family to postpartum counseling. 

Types of Adoption in Kansas

Popular media and books may have you believe that the only way to put your baby up for adoption as a teenager is to put them in a basket and leave them on the doorstep of a convent. This notion couldn’t be farther from the truth. Even as a teenager, you have options for what type of adoption you want. Adoption laws and consent will differ by state and your situation. In most cases, minors will need parental approval. 

• Open adoption means you and the adoptive parents will equally agree on the types and frequency of communication you have with the baby and with each other. Sending photos, letters, cards, and phone calls are typical, but you can potentially be a more significant part of their life as well. Some birth moms and adoptive parents become incredibly close and even celebrate holidays together. 
• Closed adoption means little to no information is shared. You will have the option to pick out the adoptive parents, but other than that, the files remain confidential. 
• Semi-open adoption is a form of open adoption in which communication is mediated by a lawyer or adoption agency. This way, you can still communicate but remain reasonably anonymous. 

Get the Help and Support You Need

Not being able to get the help you need while pregnant should never be an issue. Adoption Choices of Kansas will help you with housing, apply for Medicaid and other assistance programs, as well as counseling. As a pregnant woman who has chosen adoption, you will be taken care of, and adoption will never cost you anything. 

How to Deal with Pregnancy as a Teenager

There’s no right or wrong answer, and there’s no actual how-to guide for dealing with pregnancy as a teenager. It’s important to remember that your feelings and opinions matter. It’s okay to be scared and unsure of what to do. The best thing you can do is understand all of your options and know that you never have to go through this alone. 

Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more!
Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071

Meet the Author: Michelle Brugioni is a practiced, well-versed college-educated writer and avid coffee drinker. She has ten years’ experience as a freelance writer, and has written for an alarmingly wide range of clients and publications. She has written on topics like: life science, biopharmaceutical company acquisitions, dealing with anxiety, and creative drinking games. 

As a fearless writer and masterful researcher, each time Michelle is approached with the question, “Can you write this?” she responds confidently with, “When do you need it?”