Advice from Jenna!

Jenna L, 24 years old, from San Diego, California started an advice column for young teenagers who are undergoing pregnancy.  She wants to help teens and answer as many questions as she can.  Jenna went through a teen pregnancy when she was seventeen years old.  She had a rough path, but she made it through.  Jenna is here to help you! 

Ashley L (Dallas, Texas, Age: 17): I just found out I am pregnant, and I am only 17 years old.  I have not told my parents yet.  I do not know how to tell them and even what to say. What did you do?


Jenna: When I found out, I was terrified to tell my parents.  I knew they would be extremely upset with me. I told my best friends first, and they gave me the courage to eventually tell my parents.  My friends told me to sit them down at home, and just straight out tell them.  There really is no easy way out of it.  Telling them right away is the best advice I can give you.  If you wait to long, you will just become more stressed and worried about telling your parents.  You want to get their help right away.  


Katie C (Orlando, Florida, Age: 16):  I found out I was pregnant a week ago, and I would like to know what my options are. How did you decide?  Where you satisfied with your decision?


Jenna: Well Katie, this is a very difficult and major decision to make so early in your life.  I had a lot of trouble with it.  It took me a lot of thinking.  I seeked advice from friends, family, and my boyfriend.  There are really only three options you can do: Keep the baby, give it up for adoption, or have an abortion.  I decided to keep the baby.  Even though it is a lot of work, I am glad I decided to keep my baby.  She is my life now.  My life would not have been the same without her.  Everything turned out okay in  the end.  No matter what choice you make, it will be the right one.  


Theresa L (Madison, Wisconsin, Age:18): I am six months into pregnancy, and I am extremely nervous for the birth of my new baby girl.  How did you cope with that?


Jenna: I also was very nervous.  It is a natural thing, and you shouldn't be afraid.  It will happen eventually.  I took lamaze classes with my boyfriend. It really helped me relax and calm down during the actually birth.  I recommend you do that.  I also stayed at home for most of the time during my pregnancy.  I wanted to avoid running into any troubles and risks.  My advice to you is stay calm and keep chill for the rest of the 3 months.  


Missy H (Scranton, Minnesota, Age: 16): What did you do for school? Should I stay in school or take off?


Jenna: I decided to stay in school and brace through it. I knew the other students would give me looks and talk about me all the time, but I did not want to take off and be behind.  It is even harder to finish once the baby is born, so I suggest staying in school. 


Sandra K (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Age: 17):  How did you deal with other kids making fun of you or giving you glares at school?


Jenna:  I knew the rumors were going around the week I found out I was pregnant.  I begged my mom not to go back to school.  Students and even teachers were going to treat me differently.  All my best friends knew, and I knew they supported me, but I didn't think they were going to want to interact with me during the school day.  People were just gonna call me the "pregnant girl."  I braced through it and went back to school.  Kids did glare at me and I knew they were talking about me, but I just tried to ignore it. My advice for you, Sandra, is to go back to school and keep your head high.  You will get glares, but it is one of the consequences you made.  It will all make you a stronger person in the end. 


Rwaida I (Chicago, Illinois, Age:19):  I am having troubles with keeping relationships after I found out I was pregnant. Do you have any advice on how to stay strong and keep those bonds?


Jenna:  Keeping a relationship with family, friends, and your boyfriend are hard while being pregnant.  You undergo a lot of stress and life choices to make.  When I was pregnant, my boyfriend and I fought a lot.  We had to make so many decisions together that would change our future together.  Try to keep calm and try not to yell and get in fights.  Talking things out and saying your feelings really helps the situation.  


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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103084042.htm