14 and Pregnant Considering Adoption in Florida

An unplanned pregnancy is difficult at any age and especially challenging if you’re a young teen. Teen pregnancies have been on a steady decline over the last few decades as the internet has become prevalent with information about contraception and pregnancy. More teenagers and pre-teens understand the importance of safe and consensual sex. However, no matter how much information might be out there and how educated you are, you never know how you’ll react to any particular moment, especially if newly formed hormones are involved. The American sexual education system isn’t the best, but even the most well-prepared person can still find themselves throwing everything they know out the window given the right circumstances. 

Many women will experience an unplanned pregnancy before 20. Even though it may not seem like it, you are not an oddity. If you’ve found yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy at 14, you are not alone. Adoption Choices of Florida is here for you when you need us most. Although we are an adoption agency, our mission is to help women facing unplanned pregnancies get needed resources and find the best solution for them. Even if you’re not necessarily considering adoption in Florida, our expert and compassionate counselors are here to help. 

If you’re not quite ready to reach out, here’s some information about being 14 and pregnant in Florida that may be of use to you. 

What to Do as a Teen Pregnant in Florida

With any pregnancy, as soon as a doctor confirms it, you need to get help immediately. Time is of the essence, but don’t panic and feel like you’re rushing into any decisions without being entirely comfortable. Here’s a basic step-by-step to help you feel a little less overwhelmed. 

1. Confirm the Pregnancy

Most at-home pregnancy tests are reasonably accurate, but even the nicest and most expensive can produce false positives. If you had unprotected sex and suspect you might be pregnant in Florida, make an appointment to have a gynecologist confirm the pregnancy. 

2. Contact a Professional

It’s essential to get help immediately once the pregnancy is confirmed. Contact a professional like Adoption Choices of Florida, and we’ll walk you through all of your options for unplanned teen pregnancy. Even if you are only 14, you still have options and can make your own decisions. You should know and understand all of your available avenues and get help determining what might work best for your situation. You should never feel cornered or pressured into making any decisions. 

3. Weigh Your Options

In most cases, a 14-year-old won’t be in an ideal situation to parent their child. However, it’s not an option that’s entirely off the table. Most women under 16 facing an unplanned pregnancy may think their only option is to terminate the pregnancy, but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you are medically safe to carry your baby to term, you can also choose adoption. There are many benefits of adoption, and an adoption counselor can walk you through the entire Florida adoption process. As long as it is safe for you to carry to term, the decision is in your hands. Everyone’s situation is different, and one option isn’t going to work for every 14-year-old facing unplanned pregnancy. 

4. Get Help

Asking for help is never easy. In the event of an unplanned pregnancy, no matter your age, you have to reach out for help as soon as possible. If you plan to carry your baby, adoption, or parenting, getting medical help right away will significantly reduce complications later in the pregnancy. Younger women will always have a higher risk for medical problems because of their smaller body size and weight. If you are considering adoption, an adoption agency in Florida, like Adoption Choices of Florida, will get you access to resources and financial assistance during your pregnancy. 

5. Get Mental Health Help

No matter what you decide for your unplanned pregnancy, talking to a professional will be a great asset to you. Pregnancy is not something that can be easily swept under the rug and takes an emotional toll. Dealing with loss, grief, and moving forward healthily is crucial if you consider adoption or termination. If you choose to parent your child, you will need support and counseling on how to make the mental transition from being a pre-teen to being a parent. Mental health is critical and should not be overlooked. 

How do I Tell My Parents About My Teen Pregnancy? 

Telling your parents that you’re pregnant will probably be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. At 14, there’s not much you can do without getting your parent or guardian involved. Take some time to process and come to terms with your current situation before approaching them. You may be surprised at their reaction if you are honest and open. If you are afraid or nervous to tell your parents, practice on someone you trust, or tell a school nurse. You can always contact Adoption Choices of Florida anonymously and confidentially. We are here for you whenever you need us, 24/7, even on holidays, in the middle of the night, and through global pandemics. We can walk you through all of your options and some good ways to approach your parents. You do not have to go through unplanned pregnancy alone, and we’re here with you from the beginning. 

An unplanned pregnancy isn’t the end of the world. When you’re 14 and just barely on the other side of puberty, every small life event can feel earth-shattering, and something as big as pregnancy is unfathomable.  The good news is, you will get through it. You’ll tell your parents, and they might be upset, but not forever. If you choose abortion or adoption, your life will return to relative normality eventually. Pregnancy does change you, but it does not define who you are. It’s a part of your journey that stays with you but doesn’t have to hold you back. You are not stupid or easy. You are a human who made a human error or experienced an unfortunate 1%. You are strong, and you’ll get through this and be even stronger. 

If you are pregnant in Florida considering adoption and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call us at: (833) 352-3678