Teen Pregnancy

[teenmom2be]

Hi guys,

I'm 18 and am 14 weeks pregnant with my first baby. Although unplanned I couldn't be happier about this outcome and am excited for what's to come.

However, I can't help but feel slightly scared and alone. I know no one that has gone through pregnancy under the age of 30, my mum being 39 when she had me! (I'm an only child).

So, it'd be really appreciated if anyone who has experienced this or knows anyone that has could give me a few pointers or something?

Congratulations. I had my first child under 30, it was a lovely time. Now she's older and we're very close.

Trust your judgments, enjoy your time with him or her and don't let anybody feel like you should be older when you are having your first. Some people have a career/travel/whatever before they have children and some do it afterwards, others do it at the same time. Make the most of however you choose to do it.

Hey I was 19 when I had my son, he’s now 4. It was hard and I was so scared but once baby is here it feels like your whole life just falls into place!
I now have a 1 year old as well, who I had when I was 22.
Don’t let anyone get you down about being young, it’s not the worst thing in the world. You’ll do great x

I was in your position many years ago , it was daunting but I think any mum to be feels like that regardless of age. Accept help that is offered and enjoy the lovely bond that you will have.

Thanks all for your encouraging words. I have no doubt I can be a good mum but I still feel like I have no clue what I've gotten myself into most of the time. It's good to know others have had the same experience.

Awww OP - I’m 26 yo and 14 weeks with my first... and I haven’t got a clue what I’ve gotten myself in for either!
As long as you’re happy and you love that little baby with everything you’ve got, then you will be absolutely fine. 💖
Enjoy the journey, there’s lots to learn, and as one of my friends said when I told her... “you’re part of the biggest girl band in the world now!”

I had my DD when I was 18 (she’s 19 now) it was hard work....but it can be hard work at any age! People said I’d regret it because I’d miss out on going out, partying, travelling. Not the case. I loved every second of being a younger mum. I had bags of energy and got to watch Tweenies guilt free 😀 We are so close and do loads together and really enjoy spending time together. We’ve never once had an arguement and she’ll talk openly about anything and everything with me.
I remember being given some funny looks at primary school etc by other mums....I remember being introduced as her sister when collecting her GCSE results too! I remember getting a card from a family friend when DD was born and it said “I may have met you a little early....but I get to love you a little longer” and I think of that every time I look at her. I didn’t miss out on any of those things my friends were doing at 18 because I have my amazing daughter-who I do a lot of those things with now!! Good luck x

I have no doubt I can be a good mum but I still feel like I have no clue what I've gotten myself into most of the time.

I think that’s the same for everyone, whether planned or unplanned or 18 or 38. Congrats!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!
I'm 25 and having my first so although a bit older, still feel like I have no idea 😂 but it's worth remembering your baby has no idea the 'right and wrong' ways of doing things, all they need is you.
I was just getting into my stride with a new job when I fell pregnant and I've wrestled with ridiculous feelings initially of everything changing or it being too soon but what I'm trying to say is, your life and happiness matters most and there is no 'perfect' time to have a baby.

If you can, try and get as much support as possible from your midwife and any family / friends. Don't try and do too much by yourself and ask your midwife about antenatal classes if you can get on those. The fact you're willing to provide and do your best is most important ❤️

Congratulations. I was 23 when I fell pregnant with my DC. Older than you, but I still felt pretty young. And didn't know any other younger mums.
I'd say, work as hard as you can now to save up for when baby arrives. Earn as much as you can because having some savings behind you will make it all a little less hard.
Also, find an antenatal class for younger mums (in my local area there was a 16-24s mums to be class ... have to say I didn't go but can see it might have been helpful).
I'm 29 now and pregnant with DC2! It feels a hell of a lot different this time, but I'm so pleased I was a younger mum with my first - we've had lots of wonderful times

I had my first at 18 (pregnant at 17) it was hard work but luckily I had a lot of family support (ex and his family were useless though). Honestly at 18 you’ll have far more energy than a 30+ year old mum, which helps a lot. My main bit of advice is don’t be too proud or embarrassed to accept whatever help is offered

No one has a clue with their first one!

My mum had us young and we all felt like we grew up together, it was great to have my best friend be my mum and we're still incredibly close.

Keep an open mind, accept people's advice when they give it but decide yourself whether to actually act on it.

In my community 18 is fairly normal, though I had my first at 21. Apparently the younger you are (within reason) the easier it is and the less chance of complications, practically.
I think it might be harder emotionally, if you aren't used to children, aren't prepared for children yet, aren't in a long term relationship or simply because of people's judgement (delete as appropriate)... 18 isn't that young though, you are an adult. You can do this!
I can't see much difference between having a baby at 18 and having one at 20, tbh. And no-one knows what they are doing for their first - it's fine. Try not to worry!

It's great to hear all these great experiences! I feel as if all I've heard are horror stories about teen pregnancies which I feel is unfair'

I believe anyone can be a good mum, if depends more on circumstances and personality than age! Everyone is different 🤗