Sexual Safety - Teenage Pregnancy
Becoming a parent
Becoming a parent is a huge challenge – women of all ages have to cope with changes in their bodies and emotions that may be more changeable. It can be even more demanding if you’re young and other parts of your life aren’t quite sorted.
How soon do I need to make decisions about the pregnancy?
The first step should always be to have a test to confirm the pregnancy. The earlier you do this the better. It gives you more time to make a decision and means you can take the best possible care of yourself. You have choices to make about keeping the baby, terminating the pregnancy (abortion), or considering options such adoption, fostering or to whangai the baby. Much will depend on whether you are ready to become a parent and whether you have support around you to bring up your child in a safe, happy and health environment.
Some basic guidelines for a healthy pregnancy
There is lots of information in books, pamphlets and on websites about pregnancy and child birth. Check out the list of useful links below. Some basic guidelines include:
- Eat a balanced diet – the growing foetus gets all its nourishment from its mother while in the womb.
- Make and keep regular appointments with your lead maternity carer e.g doctor, midwife. When you have your pregnancy test, the doctor or nurse will be able to give you information about how to find a midwife, doctor or specialist to care for you during your pregnancy and to deliver your baby. As a rule, you’ll have monthly visits until you’re 30 weeks, fortnightly visits until 36 weeks and then weekly visits until the baby is born.
- Relax when you can and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid having any immunisations or drugs that are not medically necessary. If you need an x-ray, tell the radiologist that you’re pregnant.
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and all illicit and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine and energy drinks.
- Stay active with low impact exercise such as walking or swimming. Your lead maternity carer can help with advice on what might be suitable for you.
- Avoid too much heat – for example saunas, spas and electric blankets.
- Keep away from pesticides, paint fumes and glue.
- Spend time with people who make you feel good and happy.
Why should I attend classes for pregnant women?
Antenatal classes – classes for pregnant women and their partners - are a great idea. You’ll learn a lot about being pregnant, what giving birth is like, preparing for the birth, getting yourself ready to breast feed (if that is what you would like to do) and taking care of your baby in those first few weeks. In some areas, courses run by Māori or Pacific people are available – they might offer traditional birthing and parenting practices.
What if I am depressed after the baby is born?
Many women can be a bit tearful in the few days after they’ve given birth. This is usually because they’re tired and their hormones are unsettled. Post Natal Depression is something different – it is much more severe than just feeling a bit down. If you:
- Are anxious or worried for no reason;
- Are sad or miserable or unhappy;
- Don’t feel like eating;
- Have thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby;
- Have difficulty sleeping
Then you need to talk with your midwife, doctor or Plunket nurse or someone you trust and who can help you get the treatment you need.
Becoming a mother is a huge change in your life. You need to take care of yourself so you can take good care of your baby. Keep connected with people who make you feel good and who enjoy spending time with you and your baby.
For further general information see the below websites
