I'm pregnant at age 16 - how can I be sure the baby and I both stay healthy?
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Even beyond dealing with the social stigma, expectant teens have other big issues to face. One of the most important is how to take care of your own growing body while you're also growing a baby. Family Physician Jane Forester has some information for you to think about.
Your question
I just turned 16 and am pregnant. (Please, no more lectures.) Since I am young, my mom says I probably need to do a lot more to take care of myself during pregnancy. What can I do to make sure the baby and I both stay healthy? - Kim
The expert answers
First let me begin by congratulating you on your very positive, mature attitude toward your pregnancy. Just by asking this question, you have shown just how responsible you want to be for this pregnancy, despite being so young.
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Your mother is correct in assuming that your needs to carry a healthy pregnancy are greater than an older woman's needs. This is simply because your teenage body is still growing and changing, while simultaneously trying to form its own growing fetus. The number one responsibility is to good, regular prenatal care. You must frequently visit an obstetrician or other health care professional. It is important to follow their instructions and never miss an appointment.
Your doctor will help you with meal planning, which is found to be one of the great pitfalls with teen pregnancies. Healthy pregnancies go hand-in-hand with excellent nutrition. Keep this awareness in the forefront of your mind. Eat nutritious foods, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, stay away from fast foods. Take your prenatal vitamins everyday. Remember, your baby gets all its food from you, and when you fail to eat the right foods, the baby may be born too early or have a low birth weight.
A very poor maternal diet may result in mental or physical problems with your newborn. Eating nutritious food is extremely important for a good outcome -- for both the mother and the developing child.
Of course, it goes without saying: no smoking, drugs or alcohol (enough said on that topic). Lastly, ask your physician about exercise during your pregnancy. In most cases, exercising is good during pregnancy, but allow your doctor to give you some healthy guidelines.
Overall, I'm sure that your mature attitude toward this pregnancy will go a long way to help you. Use all the loving support that is offered to you, and remember that despite being young, you are still capable of enjoying this new life you created, and can still have a wonderful, growing life for yourself.
Jane Forester
Family Physician
Glencoe, Illinois
