IM PREGNANT! NOW WHAT?

You Have Options

If you are pregnant there are three basic options for you

  • Keep the baby
  • Adoption
  • Abortion

Making your decision may be scary & confusing, but you are not alone.  There are people who can help you.  If possible, we encourage you to talk with a parent or trusted adult about your situation and options.  If that isn't possible, or if you just need some more information, here are some resources:

Keeping the Baby

Becoming a parent is a big deal.  Make sure you find people such as family members or friends who can help you and support you through the process.  Babies require a lot of attention and love.  There are several community organizations designed to help new parents learn to be loving and caring parents.

The Parenting Network

Offers classes and groups to help people care for their children.

Parenting helpline: (414)671-0566
Parenting Education: (414)671-0566
7516 West Burleigh St
Milwaukee, WI 53210-1030
Website

New Concept Self Development Center

Offers a variety of parenting classes and programs for families and young people.

4828 West Fond Du Lac Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53216
Phone: (414) 444-1952
Fax: (414) 444-5557
Website

Keeping the Baby Healthy

Important things you need to do and know:

  • You will need frequent visits to your doctor for check-ups and exams while you are pregnant. 
  • If you don't already have a doctor, you need to find one immediately.
  • Contacting one of the clinics on our list is a good way to find a doctor who works with teen moms-to-be. 

To give your baby the best opportunity to be healthy, you must take extra good care of yourself while you're pregnant, meaning:

  • You cannot smoke tobacco or marijuana, drink alcohol, or use any other drugs, including some over-the-counter medications.
  • Your doctor must approve ALL medications during your pregnancy because some of them could harm the baby.
  • You need to eat healthy foods while your baby is growing.  Make sure you get your fruits and vegetables.
  • You need to take folic acid and pre-natal vitamins every day.
  • Your doctor or nurse will be able to answer your questions and give you more information about having a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Adoption

Not everyone feels as though parenthood is the right choice for her/him at a particular time.  One option you might want to learn more about is adoption. 

Learn more from these organizations

Wisconsin:

National:

Faith based:

Abortion

Unplanned pregnancies may lead to tough decisions.  The team at babycanwait.com wants you to have all the information you need to make the choice that is right for you.
This is a private and personal decision, but we highly recommend that you find someone you can trust to talk about this—you are not alone.

If you need someone to help you weigh your options you can contact the National Abortion Federation Hotline at 1-800-772-9100.
Hours:
Weekdays: 6:00 am -10:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00 am -8:00 pm

Here are some things to think about when considering abortion.

Which choice(s) could I live with?
Which choice(s) would be impossible for me?
How would each choice affect my everyday life?
What would each choice mean to the people closest to me?
What is going on in my life?
What are my plans for the future?
What are my spiritual and moral beliefs?
What do I believe is best for me in the long run?
What can I afford?

©TeenWire, 2008

I need someone to talk to

Regardless of what you decide, there are people in our community who are here to help and support you.  We recommend talking with a parent or trusted adult if at all possible.  There are local resources available to help you think through your decision and make a plan that is best for you:

©2012 United Way of Greater Milwaukee - Baby Can Wait - Connecting Milwaukee's Youth with Sexual Health Resources
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