What to do if I got my girlfriend pregnant at 17?
Asked by: Lilla Bergnaum Jr. | Last update: June 6, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (14 votes)
If you and your girlfriend are 17 and facing an unplanned pregnancy, the most important first steps are to stay calm, talk honestly with each other, and seek support from trusted adults or professionals to explore all options (parenting, adoption, abortion) while ensuring she gets accurate medical information and care. Be prepared for a complex decision-making process, focus on emotional support, and involve supportive family or resources to help navigate legal, financial, and personal challenges ahead.
What to do if I got pregnant at 17?
Whatever you decide to do, go to a doctor right away so they can help you stay healthy. The staff at your local Planned Parenthood health center can give you accurate information about all your options, answer your questions, and offer support. You can also find a trustworthy abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Are you emancipated if you get pregnant at 17?
The simple answer is NO. If you are under the age of 18, you are not emancipated unless married or declared to be by a court. And, just being pregnant, does not get you emancipated.
Is 17 a high risk pregnancy?
Risk is higher for women younger than 17 or older than 35. Medical history. Previous miscarriages, a family or fetal genetic condition, or a prior C-section can all cause a pregnancy to be considered high-risk.
Is a pregnant 17 year old considered an adult?
Even as a pregnant teenager, you have options, and you have the strength to make the best decision for you. Who is a minor? Anyone under the age of 18 in California is considered a minor. Parents or legal guardians must care for, protect, and support minors.
My Girlfriend is Pregnant and We are Freaking OUT!
Can you legally move out at 17 if you are pregnant?
Does having a baby mean that I can move out of my parents' house? No! You can only move out if you have your parents' or legal custodian's permission, are 18, married, in the armed forces, or have a court order. If you are under 18 years old and move out, you may not be able to get MFIP, but there are exceptions.
What's the healthiest age to get pregnant?
For women with a healthy lifestyle, age between 25 and 29 is usually considered a better age to get pregnant than before 20. The chances of conception at this stage in a woman's life are like those of in her early 20s.
How to avoid teenage pregnancy?
For adolescents who are sexually active, using effective contraceptives (such as condoms, birth control pills, the patch, the vaginal ring, the intrauterine device or IUD, and/or injectable birth control methods) every time they have sexual intercourse will reduce chances of unwanted pregnancy.
What to do if my teenager is pregnant?
The earlier your teen gets prenatal care, the better her chances for a healthy pregnancy, so bring her to the doctor as soon as possible after finding out she's pregnant. If you need help finding medical care, check with social service groups in the community or at your child's school.
What benefits can a pregnant teenager get?
You may be able to get Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance if you have been working and meet the usual conditions. Once you are 29 weeks pregnant, you may be able to claim Universal Credit. However, if you are still in full-time education, you will have to wait until your baby is born to claim this.
What state is #1 in teen pregnancy?
Mississippi consistently has the highest teen pregnancy (or birth) rate in the U.S., often followed closely by Arkansas, with other Southern states like Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma also ranking high, though rates have generally declined nationally, with data from recent years showing Mississippi leading with rates around 24.9-27.9 per 1,000 teens.
What to do if pregnant by mistake?
If you find out you're pregnant by mistake, you have three main choices: parent the child, choose adoption, or have an abortion, and you should see a doctor or clinic to confirm the pregnancy and discuss these options (including financial/emotional support for parenting) and get reliable information. Talk to trusted people and seek counseling for non-judgmental support to understand your goals, beliefs, and resources before making a decision.
Are girls fertile at 17?
Unfortunately, a woman may be most fertile when she's not yet ready to have kids. "A woman's peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s," according to ACOG. (Fertility for men also decreases with age, but not as predictably as for women.)
What are five consequences of teenage pregnancy?
Poverty, malnutrition, complications of pregnancy, emotional problems such as depression, drug and alcohol use, are all risks for the mother. Children are also at greater risk for physical, cognitive and emotional problems.
What to do if I'm pregnant and don't want it?
Medicines can be used to end an early pregnancy. In many cases, the first day of your last period must be less than 11 weeks ago. If you are over 11 weeks pregnant, you may need to have an in-clinic abortion. Some clinics will go beyond 11 weeks for a medication abortion.
What is early pregnancy?
Early pregnancy is a crucial period in the development of a foetus. It is defined as the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and it is a time when the foetus undergoes rapid growth and development. During this time, the body undergoes significant changes as well, which can lead to a variety of symptoms.
What age is pregnancy risky?
Previous studies have found that deliveries to women older than 35, 40, or 45 are at increased risk for many adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes compared with deliveries to younger women, though thresholds used to define advanced maternal age and younger referent groups have varied substantially.
How to prepare your body for pregnancy?
Planning your pregnancy
- Take a folic acid supplement. ...
- Stop smoking. ...
- Cut out alcohol. ...
- Keep to a healthy weight. ...
- Know which medicines you can take. ...
- Vaccinations and infections. ...
- Talk to a doctor if you have a long-term condition. ...
- Testing for sickle cell and thalassaemia.
What are the signs of infertility?
The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other clear symptoms. Some women with infertility may have irregular menstrual periods or no periods. And some men may have some symptoms of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
Can my parents call the cops if I leave at 17?
Since you are under 18, legally you are still considered a minor and your parents have custody over you. If you leave home without permission, your mother could report you as a runaway and the police would attempt to locate you and likely return you home if found.
How can I live on my own at 17?
If you are under 18, you must have permission from your parent and the military. Get a court order saying you are emancipated. You can get emancipated if you file an application (a petition) and a judge signs a court order called a Declaration of Emancipation.