by Kayla Griffin

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: February 20, 2009

Teen pregnancy happens, and when it does there are life changing decisions to be made. In 1997 Stats Canada released a report that an estimated 19,724 women aged 15 to 19 gave birth. That is a large number of teenagers who now have to face the responsibilities of being a mother. This is a big change and challenge for even an adult women; but for a teenager it can be a very overwhelming and scary time.

I was 15 when I discovered I was pregnant. I clearly remember that day; looking at the positive result of a pregnancy test and my mind going blank. I wasn't scared or afraid...I wasn't anything. My boyfriend was with me and I was babysitting at the time, now there's irony. Unlike most teenagers in my situation, I immediately picked up the phone and called my house. My mom answered and I couldn't help myself I just blurted out "I'm pregnant".

To this day I do not know why my reaction to finding out I was pregnant was to call my mom immediately and tell her. I am glad I did though, because the truth is I needed my mom. It is important to have a support system when you are pregnant, especially as teenager. This does not have to be a mom but it has to be somebody who is able to offer you support.

I don't think it actually hit me that I was pregnant until I obtained the results from the doctor, and then returned to school later in the day. I felt like everyone was looking at me, as if they all knew that I was pregnant. I felt like there was this sign above my head, informing everyone of my situation. I was convinced that my close friends had been telling people and it had gotten around.

After a couple days of feeling this way I decided I didn't want to have this hanging over my head. I had told my friends that it wasn't a secret, how could it be? I was pregnant, soon I was going to start showing and eventually I would have a baby. So I then become open with my pregnancy. I did this so that instead of people talking about me, they would talk to me. This was another good choice I made.

I had found a support system I did not know existed within the walls of my own school. I was the only pregnant teen in my school, but some of my classmates were very understanding and helpful. They assisted me however they could, they were compassionate, and helped me through my pregnancy. There were those classmates with mean things to say, but I just held my head high and walked the halls anyways. I decided to concentrate on the baby I was growing inside me, and what was best for us. I blocked out the negative and only let the positive people into my life.

If you surround yourself with a positive support system and think positive thoughts, then completing high school when your pregnant becomes a possibility and even a reality.. It takes hard work and lots motivation from yourself and your support system. You have to think wisely and not let the one bad choice you made effect all the other choices to come. Ignore the people who say hurtful things, they are not worth your time. Hold your head high and continue on; after all you will need your education now more then ever.

There were days when I wished I could be anywhere but school, but I just kept reminding myself that I am doing this for my child and myself. That in the end the fact I got pregnant as a teen would not matter nearly as much as what I choose to do from then on. Life and school do not have to end when you are a pregnant teenager, they just have to change.

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