Written by: Christin Hegreness, WHNP

Being pregnant as a teenager can be a difficult and challenging experience. However, this experience can also teach you many incredible things about your body while you make choices that will be best for you and your growing baby. Here are a few tips to help you be as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.

First, seek the help and support of a trusted adult. If this can’t be a parent, ask a teacher, a school nurse, or a trusted family friend to support you. Ask questions along the way and be sure the information you are getting is from a trusted source. Let someone know if you are in an unsafe relationship or situation. Let your teachers know so they can adjust your school work as necessary. Also, find your local WIC (Women, Infants and Children) office. They will help you buy the food you need for you and your baby if you are having trouble paying for it. They will help you after your baby is born as well.

Secondly, start taking a prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid (or folate) which will help the baby’s spinal column develop normally. The spinal column develops very early in pregnancy, so start taking a vitamin as soon as you suspect you might be pregnant. It is not dangerous to take a prenatal vitamin if you aren’t pregnant, so there is no risk to taking it early.

Third, schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. You will see the doctor about once a month early in your pregnancy and more often the closer you get to delivery. Be open with them about any concerns.

Fourth, make healthy choices for yourself. This means eating as well as possible, getting enough sleep, and doing some light exercise as recommended by your doctor. Early in pregnancy, many women and girls are tired and nauseated. Don’t push yourself to do more than you can. Eating a variety of nuts, fruits, vegetables, and beans as well as eggs and meat can help your body get the nutrients it needs.  If you are so nauseated that healthy food won’t stay down, listen to your body and eat whatever you can. If you go 24 hours without being able to keep down food and water, go to the hospital. They can re-hydrate you and give you safe medications to help with the nausea. Your doctor can also prescribe you medication to stop throwing up.

Exercise is usually ok at the level you did before pregnancy. Contact sports (where you could get hit or knocked down) are not recommended. Light yoga and walks are usually fine, but check with your doctor if you are having any complications or a risky pregnancy.

Along with choosing healthy behaviors, it’s important to avoid unhealthy habits. This means avoiding smoking, drugs, or unsafe sex. Babies can be born addicted to drugs and many STD’s can cause problems for your baby, including blindness and other birth defects.  If you are having trouble quitting smoking or drugs, speak with your doctor. They will be able to direct you to places or people that can help. Do what you can to avoid second-hand smoke as well. Always use a condom during intercourse.

Although your pregnancy journey can be difficult, it is possible to make it a healthy and fulfilling experience. As you make healthy choices and have the support you need, you can nurture your growing baby while helping your pregnancy be a positive experience for you as well.

This is information only – NOT medical advice

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Christin Hegreness is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner in Arizona.