I am sure that you can do this. I was 20 when I found out I was pregnant. I thought I was young, but then I was thinking and I have been with my husband for 4 years. It's normal to feel happy and scared when you first find out. I was crying the first time. But yet happy at the same time. I wasn't sure what my husband would think. I told him and he was happy.

There are alot of single mom's and dad's out there. If they can do it, so can you. There is always help for single parents.

Good luck

I was 22 when I got pregnant with my first and I was still in college. It was hard. My family is very religious and looked down on me, and the father left me.

But I did it, and I'm not any better than you. You CAN do it. There is tons of support and resources out there for you, you just have to work to find them. And really, being a parent is about being resourcefull and working hard. I don't think anything makes you appreciate your child more than going through your pregnancy alone.

I found out I was pregnant when I was 23, and it was a really bad time in my life, I had recently lost my mother I was drinking everyday and living with "friends" my family and i did not get along and I was basicaly a lost soul!  I was having a no strings attatched relationship with the father of my child.  One thing I will always remember my gp saying to me when he first told me I was pregnant was "this could be a blessing in discuise"  I kept my child and I now have a beautiful 4 yr old girl it wasnt easy by no means and I had very little support from family/friends but this incredible inner strenght just kicked beyond belief.  I now have my life together I no longer drink, Iam going to uni,  and I am doing things I never thought possible.  Trust me if someone like myself can make you surley can!!! It is worth it.  And as far as the father being around hey many children now grow up in single parent homes and they like my daughter are well adjusted happy kids.  I dont know where in Australia you live but in WA there is a wonderful programme called best begginings to help mums with not a lot of support this particular programme was run by family and childrens services and was totally invaluble,  There is just so many support groups and government run programmes out there you can make it!!!  Dont listen to others negative comments.  I am not pro life at all and strongly believe a woman has the right to choose,  however I had an abortion at the age of 17 and I have regretted this ever since there is not a day that goes by when I do not think about that child.  the best of luck and Iam sure you will make the right decision 4u.  YOU WILL FIND STRENGTH AND COURAGE YOU NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE - TAKE IT FROM SOMEONE WHO KNOWS!  Take Care.

I was close to the decision with my oldest and got closer actually walking into the clinic to have it done with my youngest. My hubby didn't think we were ready and he has 2 more children ontop of it. My beliefs didn't fit in with it but when I got to the clinic I walked out sobbing telling my friend I couldn't go through with it. Now 16 months later I look at my youngest thinking to myself why did I even think of it. He is such a blessing and such a good boy. My children are what keep me going. No matter what struggles life hands to me I can always count on my boys to be there for me to love and for them to love me back.  I just don't know what I would do without them. THEY ARE MY LIFE! On the other hand I was on the path of abortion and came so close, but I would have died to have done it. My opinion remember. Everyone is different, remember only you can walk in your shoes, live your life and bear that child. Even if you don't think you can be a parent there are people out there dying to have children that can't biting there fist. There are so many options look at all of them first. Hope what I have said helps. Good luck in your decision.

You can do it.. dont make a choice you will regret for the rest of your life. If you don't want the child arrange for a adoption there are 1000"s of couples that cant have children. Children are a gift, you can do it if you want to, we started a family when we were 19 and all three children are a blessing...I would die for any one of my children,, you will feel the same when you look into the eyes of your child. You are old enough to make your own choice dont listen to others no matter who they are.

You need to know that not everyone goes into the whole pregnancy/mommy thing so sorted.

My adorable baby Raine was the most incredable accident, me and his father arent a match made in heaven or even close for that matter. I had sooooo many good points/bad points that in the end to deside what to do i through a dice and promised to myself i'd do whatever it said, the dice landed on yes in case you were wondering, lol. I think you have to know that for as many bad points as there will be, there will be a good point to cancel it out.

You need to not feel guilty in the slightest if you want to get an abortion. As women we have that option today and if you were planning a high flying career or doing education then its really an option you should consider (There are amazing women that have handled it all but we cant all be amazing).

At the end of it all when you've made all your lists of good and bad, remember that you'll find a way to be happy Whatever happens.

Good Luck and i wish you all the best.

Sarah xxx

From what you're saying, it seems like the people around you  don't think you can do it, or think that an abortion could be the best for you. But what matters is how you feel. Do you think you're not up to the challenge of having a child? Do you see yourself being a mom to this child? Please, please don't make this decision based on what others tell you, because you'll regret it in the future.

On May 8th, I found out I was pregnant. Six days before my 22nd birthday. And I was scared out of my mind. And I even considered an abortion, even though here in Costa Rica that's almost impossible to get. My situation is not the same as yours, but I didn't want any kids for another bunch of reasons. And I was destroyed when I found out my plans had been completely altered.

Now, a little over a month later, I can tell you I'm incredibly glad I didn't get rid of my baby. Because I didn't really know what I wanted and, had I gotten an abortion, I would be regretting it now, and wondering what could have happened if I had decided to keep my child. I just didn't know how incredible it was going to be. You just don't know until you actually go through it, morning sickness, cravings and all.

So, whatever you do, do it because you think it's right for you, not because other people (even if they're your family) don't think you can handle it. Because, believe me, you can. Lots of women have before you, and lots will after you. You're no worst than any of them.

hey... Im 17 years old, and i am now 6 months pregnant. My mother and father didnt stay together, and me and my babys father didnt stay together. There are plenty of organizations out there that can help you and give you the suppor that you need. I would suggest dont get an abortion, at least give it up for adoption if your not ready to have a child.. You can always go for child support from the father if you have to so that puts alittle extra money in your pocket. I know Im only young but i was in the exact position that you are in. Im sure you are a strong girl, and i can tell you i would have regreted getting an abortion, just being able to feel what i feel now. And in  the end you'll have this beautiful son or daughter. I had a friend who had an abortion because she wasnt with the father, she didnt have support from anybody, and she regrets it everyday of her life. I wouldn't want to see that for anybody, specially if you can prevent it..

Hey JBoston

Sounds like the las week or so has been hard going.  Firstly there has been the shock of finding out you are pregnant (which is a huge thing in itself) and then you have well intended people trying to tell you what to do about it. 

The only advice I can give is to take your time and make the decision that your gut is telling you is right. I also got the biggest shock of my life when I found out I was pregnant (I had the coil fitted) and considered giving up my baby.  (As you can see, we decided to keep her.) It's a huge decision and one I had to make independently of Colin - because we weren't married I had to consider what I would do if he said he didn't want the baby and I did.  I had to consider if I could cope alone and if I was ready to give up the carefree lifestyle that I had.

Both of us took a lot of long walks (alone) and seriously considered where our lives were heading.  Your family members and friends can tell you what they think, but it is your life that is going to be affected either way.  Take your time - you should still have a few weeks before you need to make a decision. Listen to what your heart is telling you - how do you feel when you think about getting rid of the baby?  Do YOU think you can cope with a baby and are you prepared to give up a big part of your life for the sake of a baby? How will you deal with the situation with the baby's father?

Don't be mistaken, having a baby is hard!  And it will be even harder on your own.  There are moments when I know I would give my life for this little person, but there are times when I feel sad for loosing the life I could have been leading.  Not that I would change my decision.

Take your time and once you start to sort out your head, then talk to your family and friends.  Unfortunatlely, no one can make the decision for you.  If you decide to keep the baby then tell them you will need their support.  Make sure they know you have thought it through and have made the decision that is best for you.  The people that love you will respect your choice.

Just remember - whatever decision you make will be the right one for you. Which is all the matters at the moment.