TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I just turned 17 last week and for almost a month now I've known that I am pregnant. I've taken over six home pregnancy tests and even went to a local clinic and they all had the same results...YES. As far as I know I missed my first period last month and I am about 7 weeks pregnant. I was indenial at the time, and sort of still is. I wonder every night how to tell my mom. It makes me sick to look at her everyday and know that I am carrying a secret. She will be so disappointed. I attend a magnet school, make a's and b's, and she was expecting me to go to college and not be like her. I told the baby's father already. I call him that because we are not exactly together, in some odd way we both have this understanding that we are, especially now, we just don't have the "title". He's quite excited because now he feels that he has something to live for and absolutely does NOT believe in abortion or giving it up for adoption. So i guess we are keeping it. He already told his mom, whom had his sister at a young age and him at 18. She's excited about it and really wants to talk to me about everything, but I wanted to tell my mom first and really don't know how. I just wish that my mom was like her. Do you think that you could help me on methods to tell my mom? Or should I wait a little longer? I'm very confused at this point.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. It seems like you're feeling really stuck right now about what to do. I totally understand how it can be really painful for you to be keeping this from your mom. It sounds like part of you wants to tell her, while the other part is afraid. It might feel really scary and nervracking to have to tell her this but it might be a good idea to tell your mom sooner than later about this because it's a great support system for the baby's future. One way that you could approach your mom would be to speak to her with someone else who is with you. Another option could be to write her a letter. Whatever way you feel comfortable would be the best way to handle this. Also, it's really wonderful that the father of the baby and his mother are in the picture and willing to stay by your side through the whole way. A good way to take some pressure off your chest would be speaking to a trusted friend, sibling, cousin, or other relative who would be willing to listen. You're always welcome to call us at TEEN LINE so we can speak to you further about this. Our number is 310 855 4673 and we are open every night from 6pm to 10pm PST.

a TEEN LINE teenr