Teen Pregnancy Out Reach Bloomington-Normal

Teen pregnancy is pregnancy in which the the female is under the age of 20 at the time of birth.  A pregnancy can take place in a pubertal female before her first menstrual cycle which signals the possibility of fertility. But this usually occurs after the first menstrual cycle. In well nourished girls, menstrual cycles usually take place between the age 12 and 13. Teen pregnancy rates are growing rapidly throughout America, and this means its is also growing in your city or town. Teens need to understand that they are not alone and there are places they can seek for help. Whether the pregnancy is planned, or unplanned there are always options. In this wiki you will find information about both the pregnancy rates in America, and in our town Bloomington-Normal. You will learn about all the out reach centers where you can go for help. You will learn all your options after finding out that you are pregnant. Finding out that you are pregnant can create many different emotions. Whether these are happy, sad, confused,angry, or maybe even suicidal, remember that Bloomington Normal has caring Professionals that are willing to help you. http://www.whattoexpect.com/wom/pregnancy/advice-on-teenage-pregnancy-articles-from-a-former-teen-mom.aspxhttp://www.whattoexpect.com/wom/pregnancy/teenage-pregnancy-advice-from-a-mom-who-s-been-there.aspx These are two links, one about teen moms telling their stories, and the other about mothers that was once in the same situation.

 

 

Informative, Research based

A. Teen pregnancy rates in America- 

Teen Pregnancy in the United States

In 2011, a total of 329,797  babies were born to women aged 15–19 years, for a live birth rate of 31.3 per 1,000 women in this age group.1 This is a record low for U.S. teens in this age group, and a drop of 8% from 2010. Birth rates fell 11% for women aged 15–17 years, and 7% for women aged 18–19 years. While reasons for the declines are not clear, teens seem to be less sexually active, and more of those who are sexually active seem to be using birth control than in previous years.

B.Teen pregnancy rates in Bloomington-Normal

Finding out your pregnant 

A. What should you do after you find out you are pregnant- Finding out your pregnant can change the way you look at life in a matter of seconds. Weather your happy, sad,scared of nervous. You should know that you are not alone. Teen pregnancy is very common in the United States, but we are learning ways to prevent teen pregnancies for teens who are not actually planning a family. In developed countries such as the united states teen pregnancies are associated with social issues such as lack of education, higher poverty rates. It is also said that children of teen moms are often a result of poorer life outcomes. Of course the number one prevention of pregnancy would be abstinence. Then there is the use of condoms, Yet that is not 100% protection. last but not least there any many prescription birth control options as well. Whether it is lack of education, lack of awareness, lack of resources, or lack of support from partner or family just know that there is help in Bloomington- Normal 

Who do you talk to?

A. Parents- Telling your parents could either be easy or very hard. sometimes it is hard to speak to your parents about things like this because you never know how they will respond. maybe they will be happy for you, or maybe they may be so upset that they wont talk to you for months until they realize that every baby is a blessing. Planned or unplanned.

B. Friends- Many teens will talk with their friends before telling anyone else such as a parent, or visiting a doctor. This often happens because teens feel as if their friends will be able to relate more, and be less judgemental than a parent. Make sure that if your ever in a situation like this to always try to comfort your friend, be sure to listen to your friend, let her vent her thoughts and worries.  And remember to make sure you try your best to help your friend build courage to tell her parents if this is her biggest worry. Assure them no matter their decision you will still support them.

C. Someone else you can trust- In bloomington normal there are many places a teen could go for advice. Such as The Pregnancy Reasearch Center. They are not doctors. They do not diagnose. But they do give you advice, comfort you, tell you your possible options, but never makes any decisions for you. 

What professional Opinions can you seek?

A. Planned Parent Hood-

B. McLean County Health Department

C. The Pregnancy Research Center 

Knowing your options

A. Parenting

B. Adoption

C. Abortion