so, i think im pregnant and i couldnt be more delighted. however, my boyfriend and i both do not have college degrees and are working in low paying jobs. we are also in a long distance relationship at the moment, which we were planning on changing when we both went back to school in january. we want to get an apartment together.
obviously now if im pregnant, this changes everything. im very excited, as i said, but also very worried about money, health insurance, all that kind of stuff.
i know you dont know my particular situation, but.. any advice? how do we juggle school, work, saving money.. just being a grown up for the first time in our lives? (we are both 23).. thanks!!
2006-09-12 16:22:32 · 13 answers · asked by koifox_104 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I finished college through correspondence and worked from home doing daycare. It was the only way my husband and I were bringing in enough money and we didn't have to worry about finding daycare for our child. One comment said that "that's why you should wait until you're married and out of school to have sex"? Even if you do, that doesn't mean that you will be financially ready for a child or that you will have health insurance. If you have family near you, see if they'll pitch in to help with babysitting so that you have more options.
2006-09-12 23:08:12 · answer #1 · answered by lynnca1972 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(If you're in the US) Get on Medicaid--they pay for a ton! You sound like you'd probably be qualified. As far as school, get a Federal Pell Grant. You'll need to fill out a FAFSA, which you can pick up at your college's financial aid office. Also, most schools offer work-study programs which are flexible around your class schedule. You can make extra money that doesn't deter you from studying and going to class. My husband even got a community service grant, and all he had to do for about $1000 was volunteer for 30 hours or so over the course of a year. There's a lot of help out there for broke people--you just have to go after it.
The hospital will usually make exceptions in their payment expectations if it is going to create a financial hardship for you. Talk to the receptionist about this when you go to the OBGYN for the first time, preferably before you see the doctor. You may want to call ahead about this as you might have to talk to someone else as well.
Good luck!!!
2006-09-12 17:14:09 · answer #2 · answered by Jenny Alice 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know how you feel. I got pregnant w/ my daughter at 21, about a month before my fiance and I were scheduled to get married. I was still in college, and working a full time job. We bought a house, got married, my husband got two jobs, and I stayed in school (still in school- haven't finished yet), and worked a full-time (on my feet for 9 hours a day) job. I worked up until 3 days before I went into labor w/ my daughter. I was up from about 7 AM to about 12 midnight 5-6 days a week. I was exhausted. I am extremely fortunate. I was far enough in my education that I was able to quit my full time job. (I'm a music major). I got hired as a full-time pianist at my church, and opened my own piano studio. I have a lot of help from my parents and my husband. My husband now has one decent paying full-time job. I'll be honest w/ you, it's going to be hard (if not impossible) for you to juggle a child, job, and school. Whatever you do, make your child the focus of your life. School may have to wait. If you can, either stay at home w/ your child OR work part time. You've put yourself in a difficult situation, but you can get through it. Finding a full-time job that will give you health insurance, benefits, etc. is very difficult. We had to use Medicaid at first. Having sex before marriage is a sin (and I'm guilty of it), but my faith in God has helped me a lot. I know God has provided for us MANY times. There have been several months when our money should have run it, and we've always made it. Good luck and God bless.
2006-09-12 16:36:21 · answer #3 · answered by JustMyOpinion 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not pregnant but just had a baby 4mths ago . First find out if you are pregnant. If you are , second , both get better paying jobs that can help pay the bills , you can work until due date as long as dr says its okay. Third , if you go to school take a few classes for now. Fourth , get a bank account and start saving money. I am not sure how they do it in your state but if times gets rough turn to the government , they can help you out with food , money , shelter , etc. Thats what they are there for. Hope that helps a lil.
2006-09-12 16:27:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My fiance and I had a similar situation. Although we did live together.
You can go to school online, through a local college in order to be flexible for time. You can work during the day (and when the baby comes you can take care of him/her). In terms of health insurance, I am not one to mooch off the state.... but I couldn't afford to pay for insurance. Nobody, esp. a pregnant woman or child under 21 would be denied assistance for health care. I would say start saving now... its expensive. And don't worry about name brand, brand new things... hand me downs will be your best friend.
Enlist family and friends to help!
Good luck and congrats.
2006-09-12 16:28:41 · answer #5 · answered by tonip1963 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could get on Medicaid and things like that when you are first starting out, if you finish college some provide free daycare while you are getting your degree. Just do some digging and researching options in your area.
Also if you go to a Crisis Pregnancy Center then they will give you a free test and if its positive, a list of all the programs that can help out new parents and pregnant women!
Good luck!!
2006-09-12 16:30:12 · answer #6 · answered by jessica 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One of you could work days and the other nights. Or if you live close to a trusted relative who would watch the baby for a nominal fee then on of you could go to school parttime and work part time while the other works full time. Then you can switch and then you will both have degrees and good jobs. It is possible. I just would be alot of hard work on both your parts.
2006-09-12 16:30:42 · answer #7 · answered by jagbeeton 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well im 15 and im in labor right now im not old enough to work plus I havent finished school. I suggest you take some online classes to earn a degree and as far as health insurance apply for medicaid or if you dont qualify (i dont) then see a doctor that will accept low monthly payments.
2006-09-12 16:30:37 · answer #8 · answered by awesome_chick2009 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Havre you concidered banking? Him too, they offer affordable health benifits to full timers, and reimberce most tution for a decent grade averge.
as for saving money, try clipping coupons, never turn away hand me downs, walking instead using gas, if it's local, wic provides woman and children with wonderful nutrition, and can help you meet your nutritional pregnancy needs,there are plenty of programs availble threw most countys, ask your doctor for local support groups, usually these place are loaded w/resources to help you get movign in the right direction.
I really wish the two of you the best of luck!
2006-09-12 16:29:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey I am 23 with two girls and a boy on the way, so I know its possible. I know if yo do not make alot of money, you can get on Medicaid, food stamps, and WIC. They can help you make things work. Congratulations on the baby!!!
this is for medicade and food stamps:
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/LowInc/MedAssistance/003671670.htm
this is for WIC(woman Infant Children)
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/
2006-09-12 16:31:38 · answer #10 · answered by sr22racing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋