Especially for Teens – Having a Baby

Pregnancy and childbirth change your life. When you are pregnant, you must care for and think about two people — you and your baby.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant. It includes medical care and counseling. The earlier you get prenatal care, the better your chances are for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Visits With Your Doctor

At your first prenatal visit, your doctor or nurse will ask you many questions. You will have a complete physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam. As your pregnancy continues, you will visit your doctor more often. At your visits, your doctor can answer any questions you may have. He or she will give you tests to check on your health and the health of your baby.

Childbirth Classes

In childbirth classes, you can learn more about pregnancy, giving birth, breastfeeding, and being a parent. You can ask other mothers, family members, or health care staff to teach you, too.

Changes You May Need to Make

For a healthy pregnancy, you may need to make some changes in your lifestyle. It is important to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest, and avoid things that could cause harm to your baby, such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs.

Eating Well

Eating the right foods can increase the chance that you and your baby will be healthy. You need extra nutrients while you are pregnant to support your growing body as well as your baby.

Because pregnancy requires extra nutrients, your doctor may suggest that you take a prenatal vitamin.

It also is important to make sure you are getting enough folic acid each day (at least 0.4 mg). If taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy, folic acid helps prevent certain birth defects of the spine and skull (neural tube defects). In some cases, even if you are taking a prenatal vitamin, you may need to take a folic acid supplement.

Exercise

Exercise can help make you stronger for labor and delivery and help ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy. It also may give you more energy, help you sleep well, and make you feel better.

Rest

It is important to get plenty of rest while you are pregnant — your body needs 8–9 hours of sleep each night. Exercise and a healthy diet may help boost your energy.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, and Other Drugs
Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs can harm you and your baby. If you use any of these substances, now is a good time to quit. If you want to stop, but cannot, ask your doctor. He or she can help you find ways to quit.

Risks of Problems

Pregnant teens are at more risk for certain health problems (such as high blood pressure or anemia) than pregnant women who are older. Pregnant teens also are more likely to go into labor too early.

Being A Mother

Having a baby means you have to get used to a new way of life. Your baby will need your care for much of the day and night.

Caring for a baby can be very rewarding. It also is a lot of work and responsibility and takes a lot of time and money.

You should plan for the costs of raising a baby. You and your baby will need a place to live and money for food, clothing, diapers, and medical care. You also may have other needs, such as a car seat, a stroller, or child care.

Finding Support

You may have mixed feelings about being pregnant. You may be happy and at the same time scared about the future. It can be helpful to talk to someone you trust who can help you while you think about your choices and decide what you want to do.

Planning for Your Future

You can help make the future bright for you and your baby. Arrange to see your doctor 4–6 weeks after the baby is born (postpartum) to make sure you are healthy and to talk about your future health needs.

The Postpartum Visit

During your postpartum visit your doctor will do a complete exam to be sure that you are healing. This is a good time to ask questions about your future health, breastfeeding, birth control, weight loss, sex, or your emotions.

Birth Control

Use birth control, such as condoms, to protect yourself against STDs and another pregnancy. There are many options for birth control after you have a baby. Talk to your doctor about what is the best method of birth control for you and when you should start taking it.

School

Planning for your future also involves finishing school. Even if you are not feeling well or are confused or afraid, try to continue going to school. Finishing your education will help you get a better job, earn more money, and make a better life for you and your baby.

Finally…

Being prepared for your baby and planning for your future can make a big difference in your baby’s life.

This excerpt from ACOG’s Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient Education Pamphlet, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.

This information is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, or have any questions, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.