What Do I Need to Know if I Am Pregnant in High School?

From Geometry to the gynecologist? Discovering an unexpected pregnancy in your early teens is enough to rattle almost anyone. Questions from “How could this be happening?” to “Am I even going to graduate high school now?” may be swirling around your head. 

Take a deep breath. You can handle this! 

The journey of teen pregnancy may seem daunting now, but we’ve outlined the road ahead in simple steps to help you feel back in control of your life and future. 

Am I Really Pregnant?

The first thing you should do is confirm you’re actually pregnant. While at-home pregnancy tests are convenient, they can sometimes produce inaccurate results. 

Mosaic Health offers lab-quality pregnancy tests to give women a 99% accurate result. 

Additionally, about 10-20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, when the pregnancy spontaneously ends. After a miscarriage, it takes a while for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG – the pregnancy hormone detected by pregnancy tests) to leave a woman’s system. So while you may have had a positive pregnancy test, the pregnancy could have already ended. 

Do I Need An Ultrasound?

Women are encouraged to get an ultrasound done even when considering an abortion. An ultrasound reveals the pregnancy’s age, viability, and location. 

It is essential to confirm the pregnancy location as some pregnancies can begin to grow outside of the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and can cause harm to the mother if not detected and removed quickly. 

Mosaic Health provides no-cost ultrasounds to give women peace of mind while they decide what’s best for the future of their pregnancy. 

Can I Still Finish High School?

Yes, you can! Title IX requires that any school receiving federal aid does not discriminate against pregnant or parenting teens.  

Schools are also legally required to provide excused absences for student prenatal appointments.

Getting your high school diploma may look different, but it is still possible! 

Finding Support

Having a support system to encourage your journey can help your mental and emotional well-being. 

Mosaic Health is here to answer your questions and provide a safe space to learn about all the options available for your pregnancy. 

You do not have to take this journey alone. Make an appointment with one of our friendly staff members by calling 618-451-2002. Reclaim your future today!