Pregnancy can be scary, no matter how old you are.
It is normal feel uncertain and nervous when you find out you are pregnant. But you are not alone, and there are many resources and programs to help you learn the information you need to be an amazing parent.
Have You Discovered You Are Pregnant?
If you are a teenager who has discovered you are pregnant, please know that there is a community of people devoted to helping you. We know that being pregnant is overwhelming, and you may not know what to expect. You may not know anyone else who is pregnant, and you feel alone. But you are not alone! There are a lot of resources in Montgomery County that are here to help you.
Joining a Centering Pregnancy group may make a huge difference in your life. It is a free group that you attend with other expecting moms at the same stage of pregnancy that you are. You will receive your prenatal care in private, and then will have group discussions led by a nurse about what your body is going through, how your baby is growing, how to care for your baby once they are born, and more. You will even receive items to help you during your pregnancy and after, such as maternity leggings for you, outfits for the baby, and more.
You can also bring a support person with you, such as your partner, mom, sister, or anyone else you prefer!
Preventing Pregnancy
Being a teenager is a time of massive change in everyone’s life. Adding a pregnancy on top of those other changes can drastically alter a teen’s future in a variety of ways. Three of four teen pregnancies are unintended and hidden, meaning many teens do not get the help they need when they need it. This makes teen pregnancies the riskiest for early births and other health challenges, leading to more instances of infant mortality.
When teens are planning their life, it is unlikely they are considering a baby. The only way to guarantee that no pregnancies will occur is abstinence. While this is 100% effective, many teens choose to be sexually active. If that is the case, This means that teens must be presented with the best birth control options, including options for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
Another significant way that teen pregnancies can be prevented is through active social groups. When families create sex-positive environments, it is easier to share information about birth control options, and less likely teens will make bad decisions and try to hide them. This includes peer groups. Studies show that supportive peer groups encourage each other to perform sex safely, using birth control like the pill and condoms.
It is a priority of Everyone Reach One to protect and educate this particularly vulnerable group of women.
Have you joined Centering Pregnancy Yet?
Centering Pregnancy is a group approach for expectant mothers where you will receive your prenatal care, along with learning more about pregnancy and building relationships with other women at the same stage of pregnancy as you are. Also, get a chance to pick up some free baby items when you attend! Multiple locations around Montgomery County offer Centering Pregnancy.
Birth Control Options
You may not be thinking about birth control now, with all of the other things on your mind during your pregnancy. However, it is important to think about your plan for what happens after you give birth. If you have questions, please talk with your healthcare professional about what birth control options will work best for you.
Implant
Implants can last for years and are effective more than 99% of the time. Completely removable, they are inserted in the upper arm by a healthcare professional. Make sure to speak with them about how the implant may affect breastfeeding.
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IUD
IUDs can last for years and are 99% effective. They are small removable T-shaped devices that are inserted into your uterus by a healthcare professional. Make sure to speak with them about how an IUD can affect breastfeeding.
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Birth Control Shot
The shot is over 94% effective and each dose can last three months at a time. It is given in your upper arm by a healthcare professional. Make sure to speak with them about how the shot may affect breastfeeding.
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Birth Control Shot
The shot is over 94% effective and each dose can last three months at a time. The shot is given in your upper arm by a healthcare professional.
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Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are 91% effective and are available with a prescription from a healthcare professional. Make sure to speak with them about how birth control pills may affect breastfeeding.
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Condoms
Condoms should be worn during each sexual encounter. Condoms alone are 82% effective in preventing pregnancy and the only reliable method that protects against STD’s .
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Patch
The patch is a thin, bendable piece of plastic that looks like a square bandage. The patch is available with a prescription and is more than 91% effective. Make sure to speak with your healthcare professional about how the patch may affect breastfeeding.
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Patch
The patch is a thin, bendable piece of plastic that looks like a square bandage. The patch is available with a prescription and is more than 91% effective.
Learn More
Are you or someone you know pregnant?
Do you live in Montgomery County? Could you use assistance accessing resources like help with utilities, rent, diapers, a crib, legal services, mental health resources, doula services, transportation to your prenatal appointments?