I'm 23 and single, just found out I'm pregnant?

Question

I'm wondering if anyone around my age has been or is in a similar situation. I have a college degree and a good job, but still would obviously be a huge challenge. I would love to hear what some of you are thinking, as I am JUST starting to have this sink in. Thanks :)

Answer 1

you can do it! you just have to be strong! i was 16 when i had my first child but i was with the daddy. and now i am pregnant with my 2nd and i am only going to be 20 when it is born and now i am married to the father of both of them. i dont have a college degree but i do have a job and it is not much. i just make 7.50 an hour. you can get the baby in child care and have most of your family help you out. it is not as hard as everyone seems to think. good luck sweety and congrats! and i was just wondering...dont you think that the father will be there for you if you told him that you are going to have his child?  

Answer 2

First of all, congrats! I do not have personal experience per say but my mom was single and 23 when she had me and we did just fine. At times, things were tough but we managed. Will the father have any contact with the baby? I hope that you can get the help you need from him. It is important for the child to have a "father figure" but your dad or an uncle would do just the same. I hope things work out for the best for you and your new bundle of joy!  

Answer 3

23 isnt bad, i had a baby at 19 nd now im 20 with another one on the way. I honestly would say it would be alot harder than it is without the babies father, do you really want to commit to this man for the rest of your life? Or do you want to do this to yuor child, leaving the baby wondering who is his father or why his father is who he is? I had a good job, was studying but i fell pregnant, you can still study when ur pregnant, i know a lady who just gave birth and two days later came with her newborn to study and do her exams for bachelor of arts.  If you are financially stable then thats a plus. Its hard work , not just hard but overly tiring and you dont get a break. if you have support from every angle then see what to do. Write pros and cons, and tell the father of the child what ever yo do, he has a right to know, no matter  who he is! Good luck! Its just a delay with studying if you stop, but you can stillbe sumthing in yuor life, i do correspondance with business managment diploma.  

Answer 4

I was 22 and single when I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter.  It is a HUGE challenge, but you get through it.  Make sure you have a solid network of friends and family to support you.  Expect to be tired a lot.  When friends offer to help, let them do the cleaning and such for you.  Or give them money and a list to go get groceries for you.  Let them help.  You need to focus on your child and yourself.  This is the one time in your life no one will think twice about you doing things that you normally would consider selfish.  When you feel that way, remember WHY.  It will be a once in a lifetime thing.  When you start to get down on yourself because you can't accomplish what you are used to doing in a day, remember that in addition to all the "regular " things you are doing, you get to say things like " I made ears today"  or "I made toes".  How cool is that?

Answer 5

Do you want a child? Are you happy about being pregnant? Was this pregnancy planned or was it a surprise?

If you're pregnant, you obviously had unprotected s*x. Have you been checked for STDs or AIDS?

What kind of support do you have? Are there family and friends able and willing to help you? Raising a child is hard work. It is a full time job. Can you handle 2 full time jobs? If you don't have family/friend support, does the job supplying you money provide enough to purchase child care?

Everyone's situation is different. The things that work for others may not work for you. You recognize that single parenting is a huge challenge. If you're up to it, I wish you best of luck and all the happiness that a child can bring into your life.

Answer 6

There is always the option of adoption to a loving family.   You can try calling a help line just to have someone to talk to that is experienced in counseling people in your situation.  I had my first child at 24.  Looking back now, I was in way over my head; but I wouldn't trade her for the world.  

I just hope you aren't considering abortion, which most women do regret.  

Answer 7

Congratulations.  You will be a great mom, it will be helpful if you have family near, which I hope is your situation.  It will make leaving your baby with your mom or sister much easy knowing that the baby is taken care of and loved.  It is very difficult finding a loving, caring, care giver, so you may need to start your search now.  Enjoy the experience.

Answer 8

I think my cousin was around your age, maybe a year or 2 younger, when the same thing happened to her. Her boyfriend proposed soon after she found out that she was expecting. I am not sure how she told my aunt, but we found out through the invitation to the baby shower. The baby is now 1 1/2 and I am not sure when the wedding is. She kind of messed up her life a little, because she wanted to be a sort of doctor, but it is hard for her to go to college now because of the baby.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

I was 21 when my ex left me while I was pregnant... And I didn't have a job nor a college degree... So you will be just fine.. get on medicaid and wic... don't forget there are so many programs for single mothers like help with daycare etc... ask your parents for help as well

if you need to talk you can email

GL

Answer 10

I have a friend who was in that situation, and having the baby was a blessing for her more than a curse. She had lots of support from her family and so I guess it was a bit easier for her. No doubt it is ideal for the father  to be around to help, however, you will do fine without him. It will be difficult at times, but ensure that you have help. Try to get a baby sitter if you can afford it or ask family or close friends to help you. You can probably ask your mother, sister or however to stay with you for the first couple of weeks after your babies birth to help you until you get the hang of it. The only thing I worry about in these situations is postpartum depression, but as long as you have people around you, you should be fine.

Answer 11

First off, Congrats! A baby is a blessing, regardless of the situation. It sounds like you have your life pretty well together. It will be a challenge, but if you have support from family and friends, it will be a lot easier. What about the babies father? Are you planning on telling him or asking for some sort of support? I got pregnant when I was 17 and in high school. 10 years later, I have a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful kids. It just took me a long time to get there! Good luck to you, and feel free to email me anytime!

Answer 12

the first thing I thought when I read your title was U go girl! Miss independent!  I'm 26 weeks pregnant and it still hasn't even sunken in! haha i wish you the best of luck and good times! congratulations! Keep your head up and stay positive!

Answer 13

23's not bad.  

Answer 14

I am actually in a similar situation right now.  I am 22 but will be 23 when I have the baby.  I'm not "single" but I'm also not engaged or married so the status of my relationship with the baby's father could change.  I have been blessed with a family that is very supportive and who has made this whole situation much easier on me.  I am in the process of finding a better job that will provide me with health insurance ( I will be graduating college in December ) and trying to save every penny I can.  I'm basically only depending on myself so that if the father doesn't come around I won't be completely helpless.  I think you sound like you have your life pretty together and you will be just fine.  Try to find support in the people closest to you and everything will work out!  Good luck in the future!