Being a pregnant teen is not glamorous.  You don't look cute!   You get stretch marks and your belly sticks out.  This is not a Red Carpet look!  Not-to-mention the fact that your life will be turned upside down in so many ways.  It's not easy being a teen that is pregnant. 

Teen pregnancy is prevalent in the USA.   The following is taken from the Women's Health Channel, "...teenage pregnancy rates remain high and approximately 1 million teenage girls become pregnant each year in the United States. About 13% of U.S. births involve teen mothers and about 25% of teenage girls who give birth have another baby within 2 years.  To lower teen pregnancy rates, older children must be educated about sex and about the consequences of pregnancy.

To make sure that I didn't become pregnant my father decided to use the tactics that my grandfather used on his four boys.  In other words -- he SCARED me to death.  Here's what my father told me, "...daughter have a seat.  I want to tell you what to expect if you get pregnant."  My father left the room and came back.  He stood and proceeded to say the following (he also had material with him), "...here's your water bill, your sewer bill, electric bill, car expenses, food bill, medical bills, mortgage bill (you'll pay rent for an apt.), education bill, and employment stubs.  Oh and by the way, you better kiss your freedom goodbye because if you think for a second that your mother and I are going to put our life on hold to raise YOUR CHILD, you have another thing coming!  So if you want to keep your freedom, you better not get pregnant!"

The above may sound harsh but it worked for me.  Out of that entire conversation the words I heard were LOSS OF FREEDOM!  That meant no more concerts or shopping for me.  Forget about hanging out with my friends and goofing off.  Plus, I'd have to get a full-time job, probably drop out of school, and have a MAJOR responsibility which I knew I was not ready for.

Before you think about engaging in sex, you better think about the consequences.  Girls, I hate to inform you that guys think differently than you do.  If you think that having sex means you'll be in a long-term committed relationship, better think again.  Most guys think a committed relationship is 6-months and you can't blame them because all of you are TEENAGERS, you're not adults.  Of course, most adult guys don't like to commit either, but that's another blog on another website.

The point I'm trying to make is that being a teen mom is not fun and exciting.  Just because a teen like Bristol Palin got pregnant doesn't make it right.  Her family has the means to take care of her and her child.  And, her mother was against pre-marital sex so it just goes to show that teens will do what they want!

If you're going to have sex, make sure you're protected.  You'll need to speak to your mom or dad or someone close to you because you'll want to protect yourself.  You don't want an STD (sexually transmitted disease) which may be worse than getting pregnant.  Before you do anything, think about the consequences.  Remember for every action there's a consequence!

Many teens attempt to commit suicide each year.  This is not the solution to solving your problems.  What if someone told you that you don't get a FREE pass when you commit suicide?  What if someone told you that you entered into a contract with God (higher power, universal intelligence, or whatever you call it)?  And, what if in this contract you had obligations to fulfill.   If you "check out" early because you feel the pressures of this Earthly life you may have to come back.  You'll just have to be reborn again until you fulfill your contract.  This sounds pretty "woo-woo" but some people actually believe this.  I can tell you that when I heard this it woke me up!  I don't know about you, but I would rather fulfill my contract then come back again!

When life gets you down and you feel that no one understands do not think that suicide is the answer.  Take a deep breath, pause, and find something that brings you joy.  If you're an artist, throw yourself into your work and take all of your frustrations and disappointments out on a painting.  Who knows, you could be the next Jackson Pollack.  If you like music, write a few songs.  You could be the next Taylor Swift, Pink, Miley Cyrus or Good Charlotte.

Everyone feels out of place, some just don't admit to it.  If you feel like you're hanging on by a thread, seek help.  Talk to your parents.  If you can't do that pick up the phone and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  They are available 24-hours a day.  Take advantage of this service.  It's not too late to get help.  Suicide will not solve your problems, it just creates new ones.  Maybe not for you, but the people you leave behind will have to pick up the pieces and move forward with their life.

Life can be touch, especially if you're a teen who has had to grow up fast.  Plus, people can suck.  They just do sometimes.  Do your best to keep your head held high and move forward on your path.  Remember, "What people think of you is none of your business" -- Dr. Wayne Dyer.  Who cares if people think you're different.  At least you dare to be you and not a "cookie cutter" version of someone else.

You'll be all right.  It doesn't have to end this way.  If you leave this Earth, who will discover the cure for a life threatening disease or lead people?  You're valuable, wanted, and matter.  Do not let anyone tell you any differently.  Reach out to others and don't shut people out.  Seek out those that you have a connection with and hang out with them.