Although teenage birth rates have hit an all time low, every one in ten new moms is a teenager. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States still has nine times more teenage pregnancies than other developed countries. CDC also identifies teenage pregnancy to be the no. 1 reason girls drop out of high school. A teenage pregnancy is usually a crisis for the pregnant girl and her family. After the Initial reactions, the family tends to support their adolescent during pregnancy and after it. But somehow, the child and mother face major long-term problems. Here is how you can make you teen’s pregnancy and everything beyond a smooth ride.

Anger, guilt and denial wreak havoc through the entire family. But after the initial reactions parents should help their teenager cope with the emotional turmoil and the physical changes that are taking place.

 Providing Them Medical Care

Teenagers rarely seek proper medical care during their pregnancy. It becomes all the more important to provide them proper medical care, attention and education especially about nutrition, infections, complications and substance abuse.  They also need to understand how tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can damage the developing fetus.

Keeping Them In School

Only about 50% of teen moms have a high school diploma. Most teenage mothers leave school to take care of their babies and never return. These teenagers give up the only opportunity they have of learning skills they need for employment and self-survival later in their adult life. The family needs to support the new mom and the baby so that the former can complete her education. The mother will then be able to earn and support her child in the future.

Discussing The Options With Your Teenager

Both your teenager and you need counseling at the onset of the pregnancy. When you are past your own emotional barrages, you need to focus on your teen and her future with or without the baby. Seek help from a professional and discuss options with them ranging from abortion to adoption. A consultant or a child/adolescent psychiatrist should always be available for your teen during pregnancy and after birth.

When the baby is born, parents need to seek professional counselors in order to help the new mom decide whether to keep the baby or give it up for adoption.