if you are a teenager who is pregnant here is how to ensure a healthy teen pregnancy: get early prenatal care. call your doctor for your first prenatal visit as soon as you think you might be pregnant. if you can't afford to see a doctor ask your school nurse or counselor to help you find a low-cost clinic and other resources. for example they can help you find state medicaid or wic (women infants and children) programs. stay away from alcohol drugs and cigarettes. these harm a growing fetus even more than they harm a growing teenager. if you're not able to quit by yourself ask for help from someone you trust. take a prenatal vitamin with at least 0. 4 mg of folic acid every day to help prevent birth defects. ideally this should start before you get pregnant. ask for emotional support. being a mother brings untold emotional and practical challenges -- especially for teens still in school. reach out to others -- your friends family the baby's father -- for emotional and practical support. for teenagers who are healthy and strong chances are good of delivering a healthy strong baby -- especially with early prenatal care and a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
how can the health risks of teen pregnancy be lowered?