Patient education: Teen pregnancy (The Basics)

How do I know if I could be pregnant? — 

It's possible to get pregnant if you have sex with a partner who makes sperm (assigned male at birth), especially if you do not use birth control.

Often, a person realizes they could be pregnant when they miss a period. Other early symptoms might include nausea, tender breasts, needing to urinate more often, or feeling very tired. Some people do not realize they are pregnant until later, when they start to gain weight.

If you think there is a chance you could be pregnant, or if you had a positive home pregnancy test, tell your doctor or nurse. They can help you get the care you need as soon as possible. If you are comfortable talking to a parent or other trusted adult, this is also a good idea.

What are my options? — 

Some teens choose to have an abortion to end the pregnancy. Others continue with the pregnancy, and either place the baby for adoption or choose to become a parent.

If you are thinking about abortion, it's important to know the laws depend on where you live. In the US, each state has its own laws about abortion. In states where it is legal, there are different rules. For example, there might be rules about how far along in pregnancy you can get an abortion, and whether a teen needs permission from a parent or guardian. If permission is required, it is often possible to get it from a judge instead. You can get more information from a clinic like Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org).

If you choose to continue the pregnancy, it's important to get care from a doctor, nurse, or midwife. They will figure out your due date and give advice about how to care for yourself. They will also monitor your health and the baby's health, and help you prepare to give birth.

How do I take care of myself during pregnancy? — 

While pregnant, it's important to:

●Take a "prenatal" multivitamin that has folic acid.

●Avoid smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or taking medicines that are not prescribed to you by a doctor.

●Try to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also:

•Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. Avoid fish that can have high levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.

•Limit caffeine to no more than 1 or 2 cups of coffee each day.

•Avoid germs in food that could make you sick. Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing or touching food. Wash or peel fruits and vegetables before eating them. Avoid deli meats and "unpasteurized" milk or cheese.

●See your doctor, nurse, or midwife regularly.

What else should I know?

●Teens have a higher risk of problems during pregnancy and birth. Examples include high blood pressure, diabetes, and bleeding after birth. Getting regular medical care during pregnancy can help lower these risks.

●If you are having trouble getting to your appointments or paying for care, you might be able to get help from a social worker. They can also help you figure out how to meet school requirements during pregnancy or after you give birth.

●Being a teen parent can be challenging. It's important to have support from family or others if possible.

●If you are struggling to cope with pregnancy or parenthood, or if you do not feel safe at home, tell your doctor or nurse right away. They can connect you with resources that can help.

●Learn about your options for birth control if you do not want to get pregnant again. Your doctor or nurse can talk to you about this. Many forms of birth control work very well to prevent pregnancy, but do not protect against infections you can get through sex, called sexually transmitted infections ("STIs"). Using condoms is the best way to lower your risk of getting an STI. You can use condoms along with another form of birth control.

More on this topic

Patient education: Pregnancy symptoms (The Basics)
Patient education: Pregnancy tests (The Basics)
Patient education: Prenatal care (The Basics)
Patient education: Morning sickness (The Basics)
Patient education: Nutrition before and during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Labor and childbirth (The Basics)
Patient education: Deciding to have an abortion (The Basics)
Patient education: Choosing birth control (The Basics)

Patient education: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Abortion (pregnancy termination) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Birth control; which method is right for me? (Beyond the Basics)