Finding Help While Sixteen and Pregnant in AZ
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 1-480-900-5520 or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.
Although it may be exciting and a blessing to bring a new life into the world, it is often nerve-wracking for an adult woman who has already prepared herself for motherhood. She might be in a loving and committed relationship with her romantic partner or spouse. Maybe she already has her own home with enough room to raise her child and provide them with a joyous life. She might have already finished school, and have a stable career that would allow her, her romantic partner or spouse, and child to have the best life.
But, for a pregnant sixteen-year-old who has not yet figured out her life, the path to motherhood could encounter many challenges adult women more than likely do not have to deal with. Many girls at the age of sixteen are working towards or already driving, living with their families, spending time with their friends, planning to attend junior prom and the homecoming dance, working part time jobs, participating in extracurricular activities, working towards graduating high school, and applying to colleges. For a sixteen-year-old girl who is most likely a high school junior, an unexpected pregnancy is likely to pause much of her normal routine.
Thankfully, Adoption Choices of Arizona is here to help. We have put together this resource of options for you to consider as you’re finding help while sixteen and pregnant. This resource will also help any pregnant sixteen-year-old who wants to put together the best adoption plan, and have a safe, healthy pregnancy.
As a Teen, Discuss the Pregnancy with Your Support System
Because you are a sixteen-year-old girl, you are likely being cared for by an adult. You might be taken care of by your mother, father, older sibling, grandparent, godparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling. It’s also possible you can confide in a school counselor or teacher. If you are sixteen and pregnant, who would you be comfortable discussing your pregnancy with? Because you are considering placing your baby for adoption, who would help you with your adoption plan?
No matter the reactions to receive from your support system, what’s important is that you receive the love and support you need to help you get through the pregnancy and adoption plan.
As a Teen, Begin Organizing Your Adoption Plan
No matter the age of the birth mother, placing a baby for adoption is an emotional decision. At sixteen, you might be trying to enjoy your youth while also contemplating your adult future. Because you are sixteen and pregnant, we understand why you are contemplating placing your baby for adoption. As the birth mother, you want what is best for both you and your child.
Once you are ready, it would be beneficial work with your support system to arrange your adoption plan. Would you prefer an open, semi-open, or closed adoption? Would you want your adoptive family to accompany you to doctor’s appointments? Who would be your ideal adoptive family? Do you think you would want your friends or family to come with you to doctor’s appointments? Would you want your adoptive family, close friend, or family members with you on the day of your delivery? How do you see yourself reacting once it is time to say goodbye to your baby and finalize the adoption.
Putting together your adoption plan will not only ensure your child a loving family, but allow you to consider what your life will look like after your baby is born.
Consider Joining a Support Group for Pregnant Teenagers
Because you are a pregnant teen, you are likely to benefit from support and consolidation from your peers. Many people no matter their age often find comfort when surrounded by those going through similar situations. It might be helpful for you and your support group to research support groups for pregnant teenagers. Support groups are often a nice way to learn coping mechanisms, share and gain assistance, and learn from those around you.
Joining a support group for pregnant teenagers will not only allow you to gain assistance from girls going through what you’re going through, but allow you to obtain new lifelong friendships.
As a Teen, Pondering Life after Your Baby is Born
After your baby is born and he or she is placed with their new parents, you will be able to return to life as a sixteen-year-old girl. More than likely, you will be focusing on projects and class assignments, preparing college essays and applications, going to school dances, participating in school activities, working part time jobs, and catching up with friends and family. If your pregnancy resulted in you falling behind in classes, this could be the time to catch up and finish on time for graduation.
Plan Your Future after the Baby is Born and the Adoption is Finalized
From uncertainty, stress, eagerness, possible regret, excitement, nervousness, fear, and sadness, a teen pregnancy is often a lot to deal with physically and emotionally. But once the adoption is finalized, you may be able to return to your life as a teen and plan your future into adulthood. What is your dream job? What steps have to be taken to be who you aspire to be? Where would you want to live once high school is over? Do you see yourself as a mother in the future?
Once you have these questions answered and are able to work towards fulfilling your goals, you are likely not to regret finding help while sixteen and pregnant. As the birth mother, the choice you make is what you believe to be best for both you and your baby.
For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are an prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the author: Amanda Glover is a recent graduate from Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, Georgia. She has earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Writing. Amanda is currently editing her first novel. Besides being a published novelist, her dreams include singing in a musical, becoming a figure skater, and traveling to Europe.
When she is not writing, she is reading a good romance or suspense book, painting a landscape on canvas, watching a comedy or thriller, or spending time with her friends and family. She loves fashion, books, music, pets, and all things Whimsical. Amanda currently lives in Decatur, Georgia.