Most teenagers do not plan on getting pregnant, but many do. Every three out of ten girls will have at least one child before the age of 20, and eight out of ten fathers will leave the girl they impregnated.

This is a compilation of stories from three anonymous girls who know what it is like to be pregnant. Step one: Learning that they are expecting. Teen number one states, “When I found out I was pregnant, I cried a lot. I probably cried for a good two hours. I had no idea what I was going to do.” All three girls told a story similar to this. They were very frightened and nervous for what they knew had to happen next; telling their parents.

Telling parents anything can be very scary and nerve-racking; their reaction and level of understanding is completely unknown. Teen number two shares, “When I went home, I asked my mom to talk to her… I told her I got romantically involved and that my cycle was two months late. She threw a pregnancy test at me and told me that I could not come out of the bathroom until I had completed it. When it said I was pregnant she dropped to her knees crying.” Teen number one adds, “I texted my mom during school and told her that I had something really serious to talk to her about and I needed her to be open-minded. It was a hard day, but I’m glad I did not keep it from her.” Most parents get very emotional and even angry when they find out that their teen is pregnant, but they usually end up being supportive of their child.

One major struggle that every teen mom has to deal with is school. There are many options as what one can do besides dropping out. Some girls stay in regular classes until they are due, others take online classes at their homes. “I go to an all-girls school called Kairos Academy. It is tuition free and they have daycare for teen moms.” Teen number one states, “It offers online and campus courses. They have it set up for teen moms to graduate early.”            Other struggles mentioned by these teen moms were money issues, postpartum depression, and feeling like the world is against them.

Some advice for pregnant girls: Teen number three says, “It sucks, but you get used to it.” Next, teen number one advises, “Be prepared for the worst. From labor and delivery, having the baby and taking care of the baby, to having your boyfriend saying he is going to stay, then leaving.” Teen number two states, “Don’t give up and just try your best.” Contrary advice for couples thinking of or having these relations: Teen number three says, “It is not a good idea, bills stack up fast.” Teen number two says, “Wait until you are older so you aren’t stressed with having so much to do.” Finally, teen number one shares, “STOP. It’s a very adult decision to make and the consequences will force you to become an adult very fast. It is an extremely difficult thing to take care of a baby, finish high school, and have a job all while trying to have somewhat of a social life… you have a lifetime of love ahead of you. It is not worth it right now in any way, shape, or form.”