Your teens
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Having a child while you're still a child yourself isn't a good idea, but it can work out. With the right support, many teenagers can become great mothers.
Pros
1. You have loads of natural energy and physical resilience, so you'll breeze through the sleepless nights and energy-draining demands a newborn baby makes on you.
2. You don't have a job to worry about, so you can concentrate fully on being a mum.
3. You're young enough to relate more easily to your child as she grows up.
Cons
1. You are more likely to give birth prematurely or have a low birth-weight baby, and you are at increased risk of developing complications during pregnancy.
2. You are still growing yourself. This can affect the development of the placenta, which in turn can affect your baby's health. Babies born to teenage mothers are at increased risk of suffering health problems.
3. You may lack the emotional maturity needed to deal with motherhood and all the sacrifices you'll have to make.
4. The vast majority of teenage mums end up as single parents.
5. Your baby will interfere with your education, and unless you're incredibly determined, you'll find it difficult to catch up.
6. You will struggle financially. You are more likely than any other group to end up unemployed and broke.
- Next: The good and points of having a baby in your 20s
More help and advice
- What to do if your teenage daughter is pregnant
- Talk about sex with your teens
- Which type of contraception is best for me?
By Kate Corr
- Previous page
- Next: Your 20s
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Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below
Laura, 8 months
I was 17 years old when i got pregnant with my son, i wouldnt change him for the world but becoming a mother is one of the hardest things you will ever do, im now 19 and trying for another baby with my partner (my sons dad) it really is hard and the only reason i am trying for another now is because we are ready as a family but if i was to of been 16 or 17 i would of thought about it before. I really do love my son ore than anything and having him is one of the most rewarding things any woman could ever go through.
Report this commentFelipe, 12 months
I have many girlfriends who gave birth at very young ages (18-22) and yes it is great to become a parent, but in the long run, it will affect you, especially financially. Best path to follow is to get an education (at least a B.S), live a healthy-lifestyle, and meet people. Eventually, by the time you are 28, you'll have a stable job, look great, and have a circle of positive friends.. Plus, we {humans} reach our peaks in many aspect during our early thirties.... Have a lot of patience! It will pay off!... -Felipe
Report this commentsammy, about 1 year
hey im 16 and me and my boyfriend are trying for a baby. i kno alot of people will think i am imature or too young to have a baby. bu i really feel i am ready to be a mother, i have been ever since i was 15. but i waited till i had done my GCSE's first and now i am trying for a baby. however i am finding it hard to concieve, and i have already had one miscarriage which really upset me .. but after feeling what its like to be pregnant it makes me want a baby even more. i think a girl knows when its time to have a baby and when they are ready to make that life change and commitment. so i dont see a problem with youger girls becoming pregnant. in fact i think they make better mums as they are fitter and healthier to put up with motherhood
Report this commentjadfe, about 1 year
hey im 17 years old and am trying for a baby with my partner!!! cant wait it will be the best thing that could eva happen to us. i have been reading the comments and have found them helpful i some people think that having a baby young is a bad thing well it really isnt!! i dont know how long it could take for me to get pregnant but who nos i just hope not that long x
Report this commentcaroline, about 1 year
Hi, I was 16 years old when i had my son back in 1997, i feel that there can be alot of bad reactions when some one becomes a mother in their teens but its not all that bad. I am now 27 and married to my sons father. It can work with alot of work!!!!!! But i really hope that my son waits a long time until he becomes a father as it a struggle financially.
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alice, 3 months
I think its quite sad to see young girls saying their trying for a child at the age of 16. I think waiting until you have your own place, and can finanically support your own family is crucial, along with being in a long term stable relationship. Most girls get broody in their teens but focusing on getting your education, a job and securing a future is so important not only for yourself but for your future family. I think no harm can come in waiting a few more years.
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