Living with Teen Pregnancy

It was in the beginning of my 8th grade year when I found out I was pregnant. –

My name is Marisa, I’m currently 27 years of age and my daughter Brooklyn is 13 years of age. I’d like to tell you my personal story of when I was pregnant in Junior High. –

I was always a good student. I was hardly ever in detention, I usually did my work and got average grades. My parents were okay with that, they weren’t like how some parents expect their child to get all A’s; so they were proud of me. I have 2 sisters. We’re all one year apart from the other, so we were pretty close. I was the middle child.

My sister Briana had just started her Freshman year, I started 8th grade, and my sister Nicole was in 7th grade.

When I was in 7th grade I met this guy Carlos who was two years older than me through my cousin. We became pretty close in a short amount of time. He soon became my boyfriend. I didn’t dare tell my parents I was dating a sophomore in high school when I was only in 7th grade. Would you like your 13 year old daughter in 7th grade date a 15 year old sophomore date your daughter?… Probably not. Anyways –

Summer came and I spent most of my time with him. My best friends grew apart from me since they didn’t like Carlos. I didn’t care though, he made me feel like a Queen 8th grade started, it was the usual… new friendships, new relationships, and hello DRAMA - typical junior high stuff. This year I had intended to get all A’s to impress my parents. That all changed the first week of 8th grade… when I had sex for my first time. My parents never really talked to me about sex, and neither did my sister Briana. So I didn’t know what to expect of it, it was a bit painful… I didn’t think about using a condom and I didn’t think there was anything wrong with that.

A few weeks later I was late for my period, and I became dizzy quite often, and became sick. When I went to the doctor, I recieved the news that I was 4 weeks pregnant. My mother stared at the doctor in disbelief. My mother instantly cried. I was speechless and I felt nothing. I wasn’t even thinking. Nothing was running through my mind. I guess you could say I was shocked. When me and my mother returned home we had a LONG talk. We decided we would keep the baby. My mom said she would support me through everything. She also added that I not say anything to anybody. She said let my father, sisters, and other family, and my friends find out for themselves when they see my pregnant belly. I was only to tell them if they asked. My mother really pressured me into doing what she said.

When I started noticing I was gaining weight that’s when it hit me. How could I be a mother? I’m only 13 right now, and I’d be 14 when I had the baby. My birthday was in 3 months. How could I go to school pregnant? I mean there was about 2 other girls in my Junior High but I didn’t want to be like them at all. 5 weeks passed and that’s when my father and two sisters notcied that I gained weight. I then stated as calm as could be, “I’m pregnant.” - My father cried and so did my sisters. All three of them gradually stopped talking to me. I was alone. My mom was the only person I could trust and turn to for guidence. My friends and everyone at school avoided me too.

6 weeks pass and I’m getting even bigger. I was becoming more hungry and my clothes didn’t fit me anymore. My back was always aching and I was always tired. Walking 50 feet was a hassle for me. I was granted to use the elevator at my school, a request from my mother. As I look back at it, my mom was a strong person during this whole dilema. She was under a lot of stress but didn’t show it. I caught her one time in the bathroom crying one time, I knew it was about me. 8 weeks pass and it seems as though there’s a basketball under my shirt. The baby is now kicking and moving more often. I’ve gained 16 pounds and I feel like a whale. My other family members found out and are extremely disappointed. I bet your wondering about Carlos?… I stopped talking to him, I couldn’t dare look at his face again. Even though we both are at fault; He should have been the mature one to use a condom He took advantage of my innocience.

It’s June 1, 1996, I give birth to my daughter Brooklyn. 5lbs 6 oz. 18 inches long. It’s the day after my 8th grade graduation. I walked across that stage with a HUGE pregnant belly. The other 2 girls had already given birth, so they didn’t get all the humiliation walking across that stage. When I walked across that stage it became quiet and all eyes were on my belly. I then hear my Mother start clapping… she was the only one sadly. *Back to June 1st. I have already fallen in love with my daughter. I look at her and it’s then I decide I’m putting her up for Adoption. If I love her enough, then I’d give her to a family with two parents who would guide her through life. Not just a 14 year old girl. Even though I was upper middle class and I probably could have provided her with the basics without a struggle, I knew it was best for her. My Parent(s) yes I’m adding an S to that because my dad came unexpectdly They were so proud in the decision I’ve made.

I’m now 27 and I am married and pregnant again. I’m so excited to actually take home my baby this time. My husband Nick, knows nothing about Brooklyn. I’ll tell him when she decides to meet me when she’s 18.