by AnnMarie McGovern-Theriault

Created on: October 27, 2008   Last Updated: November 04, 2008

You have heard the saying, "One minute can change your life". For you, the "moment of conception", is the minute that they were referring. This change does not have to be a bad one. You actually could be cradling a hero deep in your womb. This precious child will change the course of your future, and possibly the world. It is most important to keep this experience positive. That will insure that you have a healthy, happy baby. For the next 19 years, you will be responsible for someone other than yourself, and though that sounds a little harsh, taking care of yourself, your health and your mental well-being are the most important details of your life now.

First, shut off the negative hype. If your friends and family are telling you that your life is over, I'm here to tell you it isn't. It really has just begun. You have started a new exciting chapter. You must visualize what you want for your life now. Will the father be part of the scenario? Where will you live? Have you access to good health care? These details are much more important now. Once these things are set aside go online and look for a picture of how big and what your baby looks like. Creation really is quite a miracle. Your beautiful baby is looking like a tad pole right now and depending how far along you are it may even have a heart beat. Surround yourself with people that make you feel happy. Friends and family, who will support your decision to be a mother.

Find a good obstetrician, ask around to friends and relatives. Go to a doctor who also supports your decision to be a teen mom. Interview that doctor because they are working for YOU while being paid a good wage to care for YOU and deliver YOUR baby. Each month when you visit with that doctor, make sure you write down all of your worries, concerns and questions. Sometimes because you are young, there may be risks due to the development of your body, so find out if you should be concerned. Inquire about the incidence of cesarean births in his practice, and how the doctor feels about medications for prolonged labor. Ask what type of foods you should be eating and try to stay away from foods prepared with salt, as salt will cause fluid retention. Folic acid is very important to the growth and nutrition of your growing baby. You want to be sure that you eat 0.4 milligrams of Folic acid. You can find it in green leafy vegetables, spinach, orange juice, and enriched grains. You are eating for two now, but you do not want to pay for that idea later

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