Mom! Dad! I think I might be pregnant……..

With recent news of teenagers and young adults putting their lives at risk by hiding pregnancies and doing deliveries without proper healthcare, I think this advice might come handy. Teenagers in secondary schools and universities find themselves in these situations, the deed has been done; endangering your life and that of the baby might not be next right action.

Telling your parents; remember they are your parents and they love you.  Sure, it’s a difficult thing to tell them but rather than risk your life its best you tell them first. First rule is you can never tell how they will react…

Learning that you’re pregnant might leave you confused, scared, or shocked by the news. You’re thinking your parents will kill you (literally) but of course since they love you and think you are still a child yourself. No matter how they will receive this information, it is important you tell them first.

Do your homework by knowing and understanding your parents' personalities i.e. how they react to issues; some are more emotional, more easily stressed out, more likely to get upset or angry, to yell or cry, or express themselves loudly. You also need to understand that it will be difficult news for them to receive; think about how their reactions to other situations although you can never guess what their exact response will be.

Mr. B (name withheld) is a parent who had been in a similar situation. He said “the day my girl confirmed to me she was pregnant; I felt my world crumbling around me. I didn’t even know she had a boyfriend or that she was sleeping with someone. It was her mother who had been acting strange and sick for days that eventually broke the news to me, I also immediately became sick. I was calm outside but inside my body system, a storm was raging and I couldn’t accept the news initially. I ignored her for days, technically shut her out of my world while I process the news”

This is not a guaranteed reaction for all parents but some parents can react like this initially, so prepare yourself for different reactions depending on their temperament. Explain what happened, talk with them; do not yell or fight their objections as this might escalate the problem.

Afraid of breaking the news in person? Then you can write them a letter, explaining what happened, pleading your case and sharing your decision with them. You could also break the news to one parent and let them talk to each other about the situation.

Afraid of telling them alone? You could speak to one of their closest but liberal best friends, an adult they have their best friend who is also a close friend of the family but who isn’t judgmental about life issues and situations. They could help in telling your news but explain yourself including your decision to this best friend. It is also important to speak to the father of your child, he might provide some backing if you plan to tell your parents in person which you could also reciprocate for him when he breaks the news to his own parents.

Be aware that your health and that of the baby is important as babies born to teen mothers usually tend to have a low birth weight, and other life threatening complications like anemia, high blood pressure and even fetal death. Seek all necessary advice healthcare workers, family and friends for advice about how to deal with pregnancy and how to keep your baby healthy.

It sure can be a scary situation to be a teenage mother but you have to face the reality and deal with the situation. A lot of duties and priorities are to be considered to welcome a wonderful miracle into your life.