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Teenage mothers labor through schoolwork, adjustments to social lives
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Written by Stormy Kage, Features Editor
One out of every three girls will become pregnant in their teenage years. According to pregnantteenhelp.org, this statistic is a problem dominating in the United States.
With an estimate 85 percent of teen pregnancies unplanned, many young, soon-to-be mothers are unprepared.
Seven months pregnant, senior Amanda Childress has already begun to feel the weight of parenthood.
“I have had to grow up faster, Childress said. “I have matured because I have to make adult decisions.”
Childress, who does not have a job, is relying on her mother and the father of the baby to help with any expenses.
Though monetary costs are significant, many teen mothers may feel the burden of being a student is just as overwhelming.
“It is really hard being pregnant and going to school,” seven months pregnant senior, Tiffany Graham said. “It takes a lot of energy out of you and is not as easy as it used to be. It takes longer to get up in the morning.”
With the crowded hallways throughout the school, Childress said she is concerned with getting hit in the stomach and having a miscarriage. She said she feels people do not pay attention to what they are doing and has been hit twice.
Both girls have taken extra classes in order to graduate early. Graham plans to attend a junior college after high school and Childress will take online courses in order to stay at home with the newborn.
Coping with school also includes dealing with social life. The many stereotypes that are placed upon young expectants are not ignored.
“I cannot tell you how many dirty stares I get or how many people who say I am a slut,” Graham said. “I always said I was not going to be that girl everyone is talking about, but now I am.”
On the other hand, Childress said she feels like people may think she is a bad person; which she claims is not true.
“I just made a wrong choice. I wish I would have waited until I was married,” Childress said. Graham agreed, stating she should have been more responsible.
“It is so hard because you don’t know what you’re bringing a child into. He didn’t ask to be brought here,” Graham said.
According to pregnancyinfor.net, a child born to a teenage parent is seen as a disadvantage to society. They are likely to do poorly in school and have a greater chance of abuse and neglect. It also stated that a son born to a teenage parent is more likely to end up in prison. Daughters, of teenage parents, usually end up getting pregnant at an early age themselves.
“I don’t want my son to grow up terrible,” Graham said. “I am trying to bring a child in this world knowing I don’t have the resources I need. I cry because it’s hard. I am really trying and people don’t give me enough credit for that.”
As if the stress was not enough, doctor visits every two weeks fill up schedules. The doctor monitors the baby and the health of the mother. Graham was put on a diet; excluding junk food, soda, chocolate, and fish, while Childress had to gain 30 pounds.
“This was depressing when I had to shop for clothes in bigger sizes,” Childress said. “Some things were not in style, [but] I do not regret anything. My advice to girls would be to think it through before deciding to get pregnant.”
According to pregnantteenhelp.org, millions are spent on pregnancy prevention programs each year.
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January 5th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
That’s great che’s caring about her baby and she’s maturing alot in less time. I could never mature that quick as she is doing now! I HOPE SHE REALLY DOES GO THROUGH THIS ALL THE WAY.
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January 5th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
i have friend that was 16 years old and pregnant.it was really hard for her at first,but she is actually doing very well her baby.. my god daughter is 7 months old now and mariah is 18 now.in school she has her own house she says its rough being a teen mom but she wouldnt trade for lil girl for nothing.
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March 11th, 2010 at 9:59 am
I understand that it will be hard for the both of you teenager ladies it is alot of pain taken from school and your baby so good luck with your newborn and to have a great life and raise your baby well. The same happenend with my cousin at age 14 but now she is about 21 and is giving her baby girl the better life she had wished for so good luck and do what you thinks best for your child and DON’T GIVE UP..GO FOR IT!!! ☻GOOD LUCK☻
♦♣La Guera♦♣
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