Teenage and young adult pregnancy (18 and under)
As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, call to make an appointment right away, even if you haven’t made your decision about what to do with the pregnancy yet. When you make your appointment, it is important that you mention any indecision on your part so we can direct you to the right place.
It is completely normal that you are full of questions ... we are here to provide information about continuing or terminating the pregnancy to help you make your decision:
A team made up of a nurse, a social worker, a doctor, and others as needed will be here to answer your questions and support you.
Continuing the pregnancy
In your first appointment, you will meet with a nurse who will explain to you what pregnancy follow-up examinations involve:
- Number of appointments
- Prenatal check up
- Ultrasound
- Screening test for pregnancy diabetes and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- First visit with the doctor
For a more personalized follow-up, you and your nurse discuss your environment and your lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol, drugs).
The clinic allows you to develop a bond of trust with your nurse and the social worker on your team. Together, we assess your needs to make sure you are able to prepare for the baby’s arrival.
Since CHU Sainte-Justine is very large, the Teen Obstetrics Clinic is like a GPS, accompanying you on the different paths available to you.
TEST and PROCeDURES
The tests and procedures are similar to those designed for adult clients, except in the following two ways:
- There is an additional ultrasound at week 32 of the pregnancy
- There is a urinary STI screening in the third trimester
When your baby is born, you will live with them for 72 hours in the birthing unit. This cohabitation will allow you to become more skilled with your baby and to recognize their needs. This stay will help you better understand what your life with a baby will be like and it will give you more confidence in yourself in your role as a mom.
risks of teenage pregnancy
- Anemia (low iron)
- Fetal growth restriction (low birth weight)
- Preterm delivery
- Preeclampsia*
* Preeclampsia is a disease that can include a combination of several symptoms: hypertension, headaches, protein in the urine, swelling of the face and hands, weight gain, and vision changes.
TIPS
- Prendre les vitamines recommandées pour s’assurer que le bébé se développe bien et pour bien poursuivre ta croissance
- Take the recommended vitamins to make sure the baby continues to develop and grow well.
- Share any concerns you have; ask questions.
By following our specialized team’s advice, teenage moms do not have more complications than the average adult mom.
Terminating a pregnancy
At the first appointment, you will have to do an ultrasound to determine the exact number of weeks of your pregnancy. During the ultrasound, you can view the images on the screen if you wish. If you don't want to watch, ask the staff to turn off the screen.
After the ultrasound, you will meet with a nurse who will explain the most appropriate method for your situation.
A gynecological examination will be done to:
- Assess the size and position of the uterus
- Screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
During this meeting, time is allotted to discuss the contraception that’s right for you.
The date of the procedure will be determined with the nurse. The length of stay is approximately 7 hours. A visit is scheduled with the nurse 6 weeks after the operation.
Some important partners
The CLSC in your area offers:
- The SIPPE program (Services Intégrés en Périnatalité et pour la Petite Enfance/Integrated Perinatal and Early Childhood Services)
- The OLO program
- Individualized prenatal and early childhood (0 to 5 years old) classes
Rosalie-Jetté School
- This school allows you to continue your secondary education during and after pregnancy. You can also take advantage of the on-site daycare service.