How to Deal a with Teenage Pregnancy in Texas

An unplanned teenage pregnancy can make it feel like your life is out of control. Because of this, understanding your options is crucial towards getting back to normal. American Adoptions of Texas is here to help!

This guide will provide:

• Valuable tips on how to deal with an unplanned teenage pregnancy in Texas
• Information about your teenage pregnancy options
• And where you can find unplanned teenage pregnancy help

No matter how difficult this may seem, understand that you are not alone. Resources are available to help guide you through such an uncertain time. 

For over 30 years, American Adoptions of Texas has helped women of all ages with their unplanned pregnancies —we are here for you as well. Please call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to get in touch with a licensed specialist and discuss your situation. Until then, continue reading this guide to learn more about how to deal with an unplanned teenage pregnancy.  

How to Deal with an Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy in Texas

For most women, the news of an unplanned pregnancy comes as a shock, and it creates a whirlwind of emotions. You’re likely worried about what you will do, what people will think, and how you will become a parent. 

Although it may be easier said than done, one of the first things you need to do is take a deep breath and believe that everything is going to be OK. No matter your situation, resources are available to help you get through this troubling time. There are a few things that will help you deal with your unplanned teenage pregnancy.

• Consult with a doctor: The health of you and your baby is the number one priority. For this reason, it is highly recommended that as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, you visit a licensed physician to confirm your pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and get a plan in place to ensure you have the medical care you need throughout your pregnancy.
• Talk to a professional: Although the advice and support from friends and family is helpful in the process of dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, the guidance and support of a professional tend to be less biased or opinionated. Discussing your situation with someone trained and specialized in unplanned teenage pregnancy in Texas may help you view things from a completely different perspective.
• Talk to your friends and family: An unplanned pregnancy is difficult enough, the last thing you need to do is try to keep it a secret from those who support you the most. Having their support throughout your pregnancy can help you feel confident in whichever path you choose. 
• Weigh your options: Understanding your options is the best way to help you deal with your unplanned teenage pregnancy. Realizing you are not “trapped” to becoming a parent can help provide peace of mind and make your pregnancy easier to grasp.

Each unplanned pregnancy situation is unique — how each individual handles it will be as well. No matter how you are dealing with your unplanned teenage pregnancy, American Adoptions will be by your side. Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out this online form to get more information. Keep reading to learn more about your teen pregnancy options in Texas.

Your Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy Options in Texas

When it comes down to what you can do about your unplanned teenage pregnancy, you have three basic options: parenting, abortion, and adoption.

No matter your situation or age,  you are in control of deciding what you think is best for you and your baby.  

Below, you will find basic information about your three options and how they may impact you and your baby.

1. Parenting 

An unwanted teenage pregnancy  can leave you questioning what to do. You are likely aware, but your first option is to parent your child. This leaves you as the guardian of your child and puts you in charge of their well-being. Raising a child is a life-changing decision. From the time and patience to the financial aspects, most life decisions will revolve around taking care of your child. You may miss out on the standard “teenage experience” and have to make different plans regarding education, activities, and more. 

Before making the decision that you want to parent your child, it is important to ask yourself if you are not only ready to become a parent, but more so, are you capable of providing your child the lifestyle, care, and support they deserve? In addition, are you financially prepared for the cost of raising a child?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, or you doubt your ability, exploring another option for your unplanned teenage pregnancy may be the best decision. This is a big decision, one that will take plenty of time and thought.

2. Abortion 

The second of your teenage pregnancy options in Texas is abortion. Many women assume this is the easiest and quickest way how to deal with an unplanned teenage pregnancy. Although choosing an abortion prevents you from carrying a pregnancy to term, there can be added complications with the process itself and mental and physical complications when choosing the procedure.

Procedurally, Texas state laws require you to obtain parental permission before an adoption can be approved. In addition, abortion can only be completed within a certain period, and Texas has some of the strictest rules regarding when you can choose to have an abortion. There will also be costs associated with abortion, how much will depend upon your specific situation. We encourage you to discuss your thoughts on abortion with a clinic such as Planned Parenthood to find out more about the potential emotional and physical impacts abortion may have on you.  

Abortion may seem like a simple solution, but there is much more involved than just choosing to end your pregnancy. Call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a specialist about the pros and cons of abortion and if another option may be better for your unplanned teenage pregnancy. 

3. Adoption 

If parenting or abortion does not feel like the best option for you, know that adoption is always an option for unplanned teenage pregnancy in Texas. 

Adoption is one of the bravest and most selfless decisions you can make. You are putting the needs of your child first and providing them a lifetime of opportunity and love. The adoption process puts you in control of the decisions made along the way, with the ultimate goal of finding an adoptive family to provide your child with a lifetime of love and support.

If you are concerned about the financial aspects of childbirth, such as medical and delivery costs, you can find peace of mind knowing that adoption is always free for birth mothers. Included in these costs are essential services you may need along the way. Services like:

• 24/7 counseling and support services
• Legal Representation
• Assistance in finding the best adoptive family
• Your own assigned specialist
• Much more

Depending upon your situation, you may also be eligible for financial assistance, which can help with housing expenses, bills, and other daily living expenses throughout your pregnancy. 

Adoption is a life-changing decision, and in many cases, it is the best decision. If you are exploring your options for your unplanned teenage pregnancy in Texas, call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a professional or fill out this online form to learn more about the benefits adoption can provide for you and your baby.

Unplanned Teen Pregnancy Resources

Although you may feel like your world is upside down or that you are going through your pregnancy alone — you are never alone. American Adoptions is here to help. With a staff made up of birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptees, we genuinely understand what you are going through and can relate personally to the emotions, thoughts, and concerns you are feeling.  

Whether you are weighing your options for your pregnancy or have decided adoption is the best path for your baby, our specialists are here to answer any questions you may have and provide the services you may need. 

Life may seem confusing right now, but together we can help make sense of it all and determine what is best for you and your baby. So call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to get more information on how to deal with an unplanned teenage pregnancy today.

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