Dimitri
April 7th, 2012, 04:21 PM
Most teenagers don't plan to get pregnant, but many do. Teen pregnancies carry extra health risks to the mother and the baby. Often, teenagers don't receive timely prenatal care, and they have a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure and its complications. Risks for the baby include premature birth and a low birth weight.
What is a Pregnancy Test?
How do pregnancy tests work?
All pregnancy tests work by detecting a certain hormone in the urine or blood that is only there when a woman is pregnant. This hormone is called human chorionic gonadotropin (kohr-ee-ON-ihk goh-NAD-uh-TROH-puhn), or hCG. It is also called the pregnancy hormone.
hCG is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This usually happens about six days after the egg and sperm merge. But studies show that in up to 10 percent of women, implantation does not occur until much later, after the first day of the missed period. The amount of hCG rapidly builds up in your body with each passing day you are pregnant.
Are there different types of pregnancy tests?
Yes. There are two types of pregnancy tests. One tests the blood for the pregnancy hormone, hCG. You need to see a doctor to have a blood test. The other checks the urine for the hCG hormone. You can do a urine test at a doctor’s office or at home with a home pregnancy test (HPT).
These days, many women first use an HPT to find out if they are pregnant. HPTs are inexpensive, private, and easy to use. HPTs also are highly accurate if used correctly and at the right time. HPTs will be able to tell if you're pregnant about one week after a missed period.
Doctors use two types of blood tests to check for pregnancy. Blood tests can pick up hCG earlier in a pregnancy than urine tests can. Blood tests can tell if you are pregnant about six to eight days after you ovulate (or release an egg from an ovary). A quantitative blood test (or the beta hCG test) measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood. So it can find even tiny amounts of hCG. This makes it very accurate. A qualitative hCG blood test just checks to see if the pregnancy hormone is present or not. So this test gives a yes or no answer. The qualitative hCG blood test is about as accurate as a urine test.
How do you do a home pregnancy test?
There are many different types of home pregnancy tests (HPTs). Most drugstores sell HPTs over the counter. They are inexpensive. But the cost depends on the brand and how many tests come in the box.
Most HPTs work in a similar way. Many instruct the user to hold a stick in the urine stream. Others involve collecting urine in a cup and then dipping the stick into it. At least one brand tells the woman to collect urine in a cup and then use a dropper to put a few drops of the urine into a special container. Then the woman needs to wait a few minutes. Different brands instruct the woman to wait different amounts of time. Once the time has passed, the user should inspect the "result window." If a line or plus symbol appears, you are pregnant. It does not matter how faint the line is. A line, whether bold or faint, means the result is positive. New digital tests show the words “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”
Most tests also have a "control indicator" in the result window. This line or symbol shows whether the test is working properly. If the control indicator does not appear, the test is not working properly. You should not rely on any results from a HPT that may be faulty.
Most brands tell users to repeat the test in a few days, no matter what the results. One negative result (especially soon after a missed period) does not always mean you're not pregnant. All HPTs come with written instructions. Most tests also have toll-free phone numbers to call in case of questions about use or results.
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) can be quite accurate. But the accuracy depends on:
How you use them — Be sure to check the expiration date and follow the instructions. Wait ten minutes after taking the test to check the results window. Research suggests that waiting 10 minutes will give the most accurate result.
When you use them — The amount of hCG or pregnancy hormone in your urine increases with time. So, the earlier after a missed period you take the test, the harder it is to spot the hCG. Many HPTs claim to be 99 percent accurate on the first day of your missed period. But research suggests that most HPTs do not always detect the low levels of hCG usually present this early in pregnancy. And when they do, the results are often very faint. Most HPTs can accurately detect pregnancy one week after a missed period. Also, testing your urine first thing in the morning may boost the accuracy.
Who uses them — Each woman ovulates at a different time in her menstrual cycle. Plus, the fertilized egg can implant in a woman’s uterus at different times. hCG only is produced once implantation occurs. In up to 10 percent of women, implantation does not occur until after the first day of a missed period. So, HPTs will be accurate as soon as one day after a missed period for some women but not for others.
The brand of test — Some HPTs are more sensitive than others. So, some tests are better than others at spotting hCG early on.
How soon after a missed period can I take a home pregnancy test and get an accurate result?
Many home pregnancy tests (HPTs) claim to be 99 percent accurate on the first day of your missed period. But research suggests that most HPTs do not always spot pregnancy that early. And when they do, the results are often so faint they are misunderstood. If you can wait one week after your missed period, most HPTs will give you an accurate answer. Ask your doctor for a more sensitive test if you need to know earlier.
My home pregnancy test says I am pregnant. What should I do next?
If a home pregnancy test is positive and shows that you are pregnant, you should call your doctor right away. Your doctor can use a more sensitive test along with a pelvic exam to tell for sure if you're pregnant. Seeing your doctor early on in your pregnancy will help you and your baby stay healthy.
My home pregnancy test says that I am not pregnant. Might I still be pregnant?
Yes. So, most home pregnancy tests (HPTs) suggest women take the test again in a few days or a week if the result is negative.
Each woman ovulates at a different time in her menstrual cycle. Plus, the fertilized egg can implant in a woman’s uterus at different times. So, the accuracy of HPT results varies from woman to woman. Other things can also affect the accuracy. Sometimes women get false negative results when they test too early in the pregnancy. This means that the test says you are not pregnant when you are. Other times, problems with the pregnancy can affect the amount of hCG in the urine.
If your HPT is negative, test yourself again in a few days or one week. If you keep getting a negative result but think you are pregnant, talk with your doctor right away.
Can anything affect home pregnancy test results?
Most medicines should not affect the results of a home pregnancy test (HPT). This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including birth control pills and antibiotics. Only medicines that have the pregnancy hormone hCG in them can give a false positive test result. A false positive is when a test says you are pregnant when you're not. Sometimes medicines containing hCG are used to treat infertility (not being able to get pregnant).
Alcohol and illegal drugs do not affect HPT results. But do not use these substances if you are trying to become pregnant or are sexually active and could become pregnant.
Source: Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health (http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pregnancy-tests.cfm)
Classic symptoms of pregnancy
In addition to a missed period, the earliest symptoms of pregnancy might include:
Nausea with or without vomiting. Morning sickness, which can strike at any time of the day or night, sometimes begins as early as three weeks after conception. Nausea seems to stem at least in part from rapidly rising levels of estrogen and progesterone, which cause the stomach to empty more slowly. Pregnant women also have a heightened sense of smell, so various odors — such as foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke — might cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy.
Tender, swollen breasts. Your breasts might provide one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. As early as two to three weeks after conception, hormonal changes might make your breasts tender, tingly or sore. Or your breasts might feel fuller and heavier.
Increased urination. You might find yourself urinating more often than usual, especially at night.
Fatigue. Fatigue also ranks high among early symptoms of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar — which can put you to sleep. At the same time, lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and increased blood production might team up to sap your energy.
Food aversions or cravings. When you're pregnant, you might find yourself turning up your nose at certain foods, such as coffee or fried foods. Food cravings are common, too. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences can be chalked up to hormonal changes — especially in the first trimester, when hormonal changes are the most dramatic.
Sometimes symptoms of pregnancy are less familiar or obvious. If you're pregnant, you might experience:
Slight bleeding or cramping. Sometimes a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus — about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier and lighter in color than a normal period and doesn't last as long. Some women also experience abdominal cramping — similar to menstrual cramping — early in pregnancy.
Mood swings. The flood of hormones in your body in early pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and weepy. Mood swings also are common, especially in the first trimester.
Dizziness. As your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops, you might feel lightheaded or dizzy. Early in pregnancy, faintness also can be triggered by low blood sugar.
Constipation. An increase in progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through the intestines, which can lead to constipation early in pregnancy. Constipation can be aggravated by prenatal vitamins containing iron.
Source: Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens Right Away (http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/symptoms-of-pregnancy/PR00102/METHOD=print) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
So, you are pregnant, now what?
If you're a pregnant teenager, you can help yourself and your baby by
Taking your prenatal vitamins for your health and to prevent some birth defects
Avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs
Using a condom, if you are still having sex, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases that could hurt your baby
Provide support
Teenage pregnancy is often a crisis for a young girl and her family, as well as the baby's father and his family. Common reactions include anger, guilt and denial. Teens might also experience anxiety, fear, shock and depression.
Discuss the options
A pregnant teen — along with her parents, the father of the baby and his parents — has a variety of options to consider:
Keep the baby. Many pregnant teens keep their babies. Some marry the baby's father and raise the baby together. Others rely on family support to raise the baby. Finishing school and getting a good job can be difficult for a teen parent, however. If you are thinking about keeping the baby, make sure you understand the challenges and responsibilities involved.
Give the baby up for adoption. Some pregnant teens choose to give their babies up for adoption. If you are considering adoption, explore the different types of adoption available. Also discuss the emotional impact of giving a baby up for adoption.
End the pregnancy. Some pregnant teens choose to end their pregnancies. If you are considering abortion, discuss the risks and the emotional consequences. Keep in mind that some states require parental notification for a legal abortion. Talk to your health care provider or a specialist in pregnancy counseling.
Understand the health risks
Pregnant teens and their babies are at higher risk of health problems than are pregnant women who are older. The most common complications for pregnant teens — especially those younger than age 15 and those who don't receive prenatal care — include a low level of iron in the blood (anemia) and preterm labor. Some research suggests that pregnant teens might be more likely to develop high blood pressure as well.
Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to be born prematurely and have a low birth weight.
Seek proper prenatal care
You can improve your chances of having a healthy baby by taking good care of yourself. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, make sure to:
Seek prenatal care. During pregnancy, regular prenatal visits can help your health care provider monitor your health and the baby's health.
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections — including gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis — can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects and other pregnancy complications.
If you have a sexually transmitted infection, treatment is essential.
Eat a healthy diet. During pregnancy, you will need more folic acid, calcium, iron, protein and other essential nutrients. A daily prenatal vitamin can help fill any gaps. In addition, you might need extra calcium and phosphorus because your own bones are still growing.
Stay physically active. Regular physical activity can help ease or even prevent discomfort, boost your energy level and improve your overall health. It also can help you prepare for labor and childbirth by increasing your stamina and muscle strength. Make sure to get your health care provider's OK before starting or continuing an exercise program, especially if you have an underlying medical condition.
Gain weight wisely. Gaining the right amount of weight can support the baby's health — and make it easier for you to lose the extra pounds after delivery. A weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds (about 11 to 16 kilograms) is often recommended for women who have a healthy weight before pregnancy. Pregnant teens may need to gain more weight. Work with your health care provider to determine what's right.
Avoid risky substances. Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other illicit drugs are off-limits during pregnancy. Even moderate alcohol use during pregnancy can harm a developing baby. Smoking increases the risk of premature birth, problems with the placenta and low birth weight — and drugs you take can pass from yourself to your baby, sometimes with devastating effects. Even prescription and over-the-counter medications deserve caution. Remember to clear any medications or supplements with your health care provider ahead of time.
Take childbirth classes. These classes can help prepare you for pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and being a parent.
If you lack the finances or transportation needed to obtain prenatal care — or needs help continuing your education — a counselor or social worker might be able to help.
Prepare for the future
Teenage pregnancies often have a negative impact on your future. Teen mothers are less likely to graduate from high school and to attend college, are more likely to live in poverty and are at risk of domestic violence. Teen fathers tend to finish fewer years of school than do older fathers. They're also less likely to earn a livable wage and hold a steady job. In addition, children of teen parents are more likely to have health and cognitive conditions and are more likely to be neglected or abused. Girls born to teen parents are more likely to experience teenage pregnancy themselves.
If you decide to continue the pregnancy, address these challenges head-on. Discuss your goals for the future and how you might go about achieving them as a parent. Look for special programs available to help pregnant teens remain in school or complete course work from home. Take parenting classes to help prepare yourself to financially support and raise a child.
Source: Help Your Teen Handel Pregnancy (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen-pregnancy/MY00820/METHOD=print) (Mayo Foundation for Medical education and Research)
Other Resources:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - PDF
Can a Girl Get Pregnant If She Has Sex during Her Period? (http://kidshealth.org/teen/expert/sex_health/sex_during_period.html) (Nemours Foundations)
Stay Informed: Teen Pregnancy (http://www.stayteen.org/teen-pregnancy) (National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy)
Teenage Pregnancy (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Telling Parents You're Pregnant (Nemours Foundation)
U.S. Teenage Pregnancies, Births and Abortions: National and State Trends and Trends by Race and Ethnicity
When Children Have Children (American Academy of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry)
ALL ADVICE IS PROVIDED AS-IS, AND IS NOT A REASONABLE SUBSTITUTE FOR VISITING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. NOR I OR VIRTUALTEEN.ORG ARE TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MEDICAL-RELATED ISSUES; IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR.
Please let me know if you have any other questions that you would like answered...
What is a Pregnancy Test?
How do pregnancy tests work?
All pregnancy tests work by detecting a certain hormone in the urine or blood that is only there when a woman is pregnant. This hormone is called human chorionic gonadotropin (kohr-ee-ON-ihk goh-NAD-uh-TROH-puhn), or hCG. It is also called the pregnancy hormone.
hCG is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This usually happens about six days after the egg and sperm merge. But studies show that in up to 10 percent of women, implantation does not occur until much later, after the first day of the missed period. The amount of hCG rapidly builds up in your body with each passing day you are pregnant.
Are there different types of pregnancy tests?
Yes. There are two types of pregnancy tests. One tests the blood for the pregnancy hormone, hCG. You need to see a doctor to have a blood test. The other checks the urine for the hCG hormone. You can do a urine test at a doctor’s office or at home with a home pregnancy test (HPT).
These days, many women first use an HPT to find out if they are pregnant. HPTs are inexpensive, private, and easy to use. HPTs also are highly accurate if used correctly and at the right time. HPTs will be able to tell if you're pregnant about one week after a missed period.
Doctors use two types of blood tests to check for pregnancy. Blood tests can pick up hCG earlier in a pregnancy than urine tests can. Blood tests can tell if you are pregnant about six to eight days after you ovulate (or release an egg from an ovary). A quantitative blood test (or the beta hCG test) measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood. So it can find even tiny amounts of hCG. This makes it very accurate. A qualitative hCG blood test just checks to see if the pregnancy hormone is present or not. So this test gives a yes or no answer. The qualitative hCG blood test is about as accurate as a urine test.
How do you do a home pregnancy test?
There are many different types of home pregnancy tests (HPTs). Most drugstores sell HPTs over the counter. They are inexpensive. But the cost depends on the brand and how many tests come in the box.
Most HPTs work in a similar way. Many instruct the user to hold a stick in the urine stream. Others involve collecting urine in a cup and then dipping the stick into it. At least one brand tells the woman to collect urine in a cup and then use a dropper to put a few drops of the urine into a special container. Then the woman needs to wait a few minutes. Different brands instruct the woman to wait different amounts of time. Once the time has passed, the user should inspect the "result window." If a line or plus symbol appears, you are pregnant. It does not matter how faint the line is. A line, whether bold or faint, means the result is positive. New digital tests show the words “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”
Most tests also have a "control indicator" in the result window. This line or symbol shows whether the test is working properly. If the control indicator does not appear, the test is not working properly. You should not rely on any results from a HPT that may be faulty.
Most brands tell users to repeat the test in a few days, no matter what the results. One negative result (especially soon after a missed period) does not always mean you're not pregnant. All HPTs come with written instructions. Most tests also have toll-free phone numbers to call in case of questions about use or results.
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) can be quite accurate. But the accuracy depends on:
How you use them — Be sure to check the expiration date and follow the instructions. Wait ten minutes after taking the test to check the results window. Research suggests that waiting 10 minutes will give the most accurate result.
When you use them — The amount of hCG or pregnancy hormone in your urine increases with time. So, the earlier after a missed period you take the test, the harder it is to spot the hCG. Many HPTs claim to be 99 percent accurate on the first day of your missed period. But research suggests that most HPTs do not always detect the low levels of hCG usually present this early in pregnancy. And when they do, the results are often very faint. Most HPTs can accurately detect pregnancy one week after a missed period. Also, testing your urine first thing in the morning may boost the accuracy.
Who uses them — Each woman ovulates at a different time in her menstrual cycle. Plus, the fertilized egg can implant in a woman’s uterus at different times. hCG only is produced once implantation occurs. In up to 10 percent of women, implantation does not occur until after the first day of a missed period. So, HPTs will be accurate as soon as one day after a missed period for some women but not for others.
The brand of test — Some HPTs are more sensitive than others. So, some tests are better than others at spotting hCG early on.
How soon after a missed period can I take a home pregnancy test and get an accurate result?
Many home pregnancy tests (HPTs) claim to be 99 percent accurate on the first day of your missed period. But research suggests that most HPTs do not always spot pregnancy that early. And when they do, the results are often so faint they are misunderstood. If you can wait one week after your missed period, most HPTs will give you an accurate answer. Ask your doctor for a more sensitive test if you need to know earlier.
My home pregnancy test says I am pregnant. What should I do next?
If a home pregnancy test is positive and shows that you are pregnant, you should call your doctor right away. Your doctor can use a more sensitive test along with a pelvic exam to tell for sure if you're pregnant. Seeing your doctor early on in your pregnancy will help you and your baby stay healthy.
My home pregnancy test says that I am not pregnant. Might I still be pregnant?
Yes. So, most home pregnancy tests (HPTs) suggest women take the test again in a few days or a week if the result is negative.
Each woman ovulates at a different time in her menstrual cycle. Plus, the fertilized egg can implant in a woman’s uterus at different times. So, the accuracy of HPT results varies from woman to woman. Other things can also affect the accuracy. Sometimes women get false negative results when they test too early in the pregnancy. This means that the test says you are not pregnant when you are. Other times, problems with the pregnancy can affect the amount of hCG in the urine.
If your HPT is negative, test yourself again in a few days or one week. If you keep getting a negative result but think you are pregnant, talk with your doctor right away.
Can anything affect home pregnancy test results?
Most medicines should not affect the results of a home pregnancy test (HPT). This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including birth control pills and antibiotics. Only medicines that have the pregnancy hormone hCG in them can give a false positive test result. A false positive is when a test says you are pregnant when you're not. Sometimes medicines containing hCG are used to treat infertility (not being able to get pregnant).
Alcohol and illegal drugs do not affect HPT results. But do not use these substances if you are trying to become pregnant or are sexually active and could become pregnant.
Source: Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health (http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pregnancy-tests.cfm)
Classic symptoms of pregnancy
In addition to a missed period, the earliest symptoms of pregnancy might include:
Nausea with or without vomiting. Morning sickness, which can strike at any time of the day or night, sometimes begins as early as three weeks after conception. Nausea seems to stem at least in part from rapidly rising levels of estrogen and progesterone, which cause the stomach to empty more slowly. Pregnant women also have a heightened sense of smell, so various odors — such as foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke — might cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy.
Tender, swollen breasts. Your breasts might provide one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. As early as two to three weeks after conception, hormonal changes might make your breasts tender, tingly or sore. Or your breasts might feel fuller and heavier.
Increased urination. You might find yourself urinating more often than usual, especially at night.
Fatigue. Fatigue also ranks high among early symptoms of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar — which can put you to sleep. At the same time, lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and increased blood production might team up to sap your energy.
Food aversions or cravings. When you're pregnant, you might find yourself turning up your nose at certain foods, such as coffee or fried foods. Food cravings are common, too. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences can be chalked up to hormonal changes — especially in the first trimester, when hormonal changes are the most dramatic.
Sometimes symptoms of pregnancy are less familiar or obvious. If you're pregnant, you might experience:
Slight bleeding or cramping. Sometimes a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus — about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier and lighter in color than a normal period and doesn't last as long. Some women also experience abdominal cramping — similar to menstrual cramping — early in pregnancy.
Mood swings. The flood of hormones in your body in early pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and weepy. Mood swings also are common, especially in the first trimester.
Dizziness. As your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops, you might feel lightheaded or dizzy. Early in pregnancy, faintness also can be triggered by low blood sugar.
Constipation. An increase in progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through the intestines, which can lead to constipation early in pregnancy. Constipation can be aggravated by prenatal vitamins containing iron.
Source: Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens Right Away (http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/symptoms-of-pregnancy/PR00102/METHOD=print) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
So, you are pregnant, now what?
If you're a pregnant teenager, you can help yourself and your baby by
Taking your prenatal vitamins for your health and to prevent some birth defects
Avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs
Using a condom, if you are still having sex, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases that could hurt your baby
Provide support
Teenage pregnancy is often a crisis for a young girl and her family, as well as the baby's father and his family. Common reactions include anger, guilt and denial. Teens might also experience anxiety, fear, shock and depression.
Discuss the options
A pregnant teen — along with her parents, the father of the baby and his parents — has a variety of options to consider:
Keep the baby. Many pregnant teens keep their babies. Some marry the baby's father and raise the baby together. Others rely on family support to raise the baby. Finishing school and getting a good job can be difficult for a teen parent, however. If you are thinking about keeping the baby, make sure you understand the challenges and responsibilities involved.
Give the baby up for adoption. Some pregnant teens choose to give their babies up for adoption. If you are considering adoption, explore the different types of adoption available. Also discuss the emotional impact of giving a baby up for adoption.
End the pregnancy. Some pregnant teens choose to end their pregnancies. If you are considering abortion, discuss the risks and the emotional consequences. Keep in mind that some states require parental notification for a legal abortion. Talk to your health care provider or a specialist in pregnancy counseling.
Understand the health risks
Pregnant teens and their babies are at higher risk of health problems than are pregnant women who are older. The most common complications for pregnant teens — especially those younger than age 15 and those who don't receive prenatal care — include a low level of iron in the blood (anemia) and preterm labor. Some research suggests that pregnant teens might be more likely to develop high blood pressure as well.
Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to be born prematurely and have a low birth weight.
Seek proper prenatal care
You can improve your chances of having a healthy baby by taking good care of yourself. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, make sure to:
Seek prenatal care. During pregnancy, regular prenatal visits can help your health care provider monitor your health and the baby's health.
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections — including gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis — can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects and other pregnancy complications.
If you have a sexually transmitted infection, treatment is essential.
Eat a healthy diet. During pregnancy, you will need more folic acid, calcium, iron, protein and other essential nutrients. A daily prenatal vitamin can help fill any gaps. In addition, you might need extra calcium and phosphorus because your own bones are still growing.
Stay physically active. Regular physical activity can help ease or even prevent discomfort, boost your energy level and improve your overall health. It also can help you prepare for labor and childbirth by increasing your stamina and muscle strength. Make sure to get your health care provider's OK before starting or continuing an exercise program, especially if you have an underlying medical condition.
Gain weight wisely. Gaining the right amount of weight can support the baby's health — and make it easier for you to lose the extra pounds after delivery. A weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds (about 11 to 16 kilograms) is often recommended for women who have a healthy weight before pregnancy. Pregnant teens may need to gain more weight. Work with your health care provider to determine what's right.
Avoid risky substances. Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other illicit drugs are off-limits during pregnancy. Even moderate alcohol use during pregnancy can harm a developing baby. Smoking increases the risk of premature birth, problems with the placenta and low birth weight — and drugs you take can pass from yourself to your baby, sometimes with devastating effects. Even prescription and over-the-counter medications deserve caution. Remember to clear any medications or supplements with your health care provider ahead of time.
Take childbirth classes. These classes can help prepare you for pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and being a parent.
If you lack the finances or transportation needed to obtain prenatal care — or needs help continuing your education — a counselor or social worker might be able to help.
Prepare for the future
Teenage pregnancies often have a negative impact on your future. Teen mothers are less likely to graduate from high school and to attend college, are more likely to live in poverty and are at risk of domestic violence. Teen fathers tend to finish fewer years of school than do older fathers. They're also less likely to earn a livable wage and hold a steady job. In addition, children of teen parents are more likely to have health and cognitive conditions and are more likely to be neglected or abused. Girls born to teen parents are more likely to experience teenage pregnancy themselves.
If you decide to continue the pregnancy, address these challenges head-on. Discuss your goals for the future and how you might go about achieving them as a parent. Look for special programs available to help pregnant teens remain in school or complete course work from home. Take parenting classes to help prepare yourself to financially support and raise a child.
Source: Help Your Teen Handel Pregnancy (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen-pregnancy/MY00820/METHOD=print) (Mayo Foundation for Medical education and Research)
Other Resources:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - PDF
Can a Girl Get Pregnant If She Has Sex during Her Period? (http://kidshealth.org/teen/expert/sex_health/sex_during_period.html) (Nemours Foundations)
Stay Informed: Teen Pregnancy (http://www.stayteen.org/teen-pregnancy) (National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy)
Teenage Pregnancy (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Telling Parents You're Pregnant (Nemours Foundation)
U.S. Teenage Pregnancies, Births and Abortions: National and State Trends and Trends by Race and Ethnicity
When Children Have Children (American Academy of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry)
ALL ADVICE IS PROVIDED AS-IS, AND IS NOT A REASONABLE SUBSTITUTE FOR VISITING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. NOR I OR VIRTUALTEEN.ORG ARE TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MEDICAL-RELATED ISSUES; IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR.
Please let me know if you have any other questions that you would like answered...