Is it safe?

Question

Is it safe to have a baby at 18?

I don't want the whole "Your too young speech" or anything like that. Save it for someone else.

Me and my fiance' have been together for quite awhile, we both love children, and have spent alot of time with babys and toddlers so we know the responsibiltys, we have good jobs, I get paid 8.50 an hour and he gets paid anywhere from $9.00-$11.00an hour, plus side jobs.

What we would like to know is, is it safe to have a child at 18-19, and what are the risks?

I go to college online already, I'm studying prenatal/neonatal nursing. So college isn't an issue.

I'm saying thats our income with our actual jobs, he works sidejobs, sometimes he can manage to get $1,200 in one day, and that may not be alot, but putting everything together, we've got a place and everything. finances don't worry me, it's the physical part.

The people throwing the whole "you arn't even married crap out there" move on with your life, get over it, just because people don't go threw a whole bunch of legal crap before they have children doesn't state they arn't ready for children, do you realize the raise in divorces?? GET REAL!

Answer 1

I believe that most physicians consider the age of 18 to be a perfectly acceptable age to begin having children, in the sense that the body is mature enough to fully support a pregnancy. In my experience, most women have an easier time of it when they are younger. If you are concerned, speak to your OB/GYN, get a complete physical, and start a vitamin supplement (one that your doctor recommends) before trying to conceive. Oh, and don't forget to enroll in baby-care and parenting classes during your pregnancy. They are beneficial to any first-time moms (and dads), no matter their age. Good luck to you.

For all the "you're too young" nay-sayers - I think it is wonderful that a family-oriented COUPLE is ready to have children. The right time to have kids is different for everyone and is not entirely based upon income. You don't have to be rich to start a family. Unexpected pregnancies occur at an astounding rate and lots of single moms manage to get by and provide a good life for their kids. No one at 18 or even 30 ever fully knows what they are getting into before having kids. And yes, babies are expensive, but there is nothing wrong with yard sale finds and Wal-Mart clothes in a house that has love. Babies don't care what the clothes look like that they are puking on, as long as they are comfortable and season-appropriate. Beyond the basic necessities, babies are only as expensive as you make them. Love, care, and good health are most important.

Answer 2

You cannot post a question like this without getting the "your too young" speech. It is apparent to me that you are aware that you and your fiance are too young.
I do not think that being too young is the issue, it is the lack in income. You and your fiance cannot raise a child on $8.50/hour. So the question is not whether or not you are too young, but rather how will you afford a child?
You do not have a "good job" making only $8.50/hour. So my suggestion is this, you need to go to school and earn a degree in whatever so that you can obtain a better job one that pays more than $8.50 and hour and includes full medical benefits.
You may feel that because you adore children and that you are in love that you re ready to raise a child. The reality is that If you are not financially stable and can afford not only life's necessities, but the extra expenses that come with babies, then you are not ready for a child. It is not fair to the baby.
Physically, it is safe to have a baby at 18-19.

Answer 3

If you are asking if your body is physically ready to have a child the answer is yes. However, your brain (and I mean no disrespect by this) has not matured to its full ability yet. This is a biological fact not a rude comment. Also, I know that $8-$11 an hour seems like a lot right now but when you have the expense of a baby (formula 5 years ago was $20 a can) that money goes fast. Really consider going to college and establishing yourself in a career before you choose to have a child. Best wishes.


Edit: I just thought of something on the financial side of the equation. Be sure that you check into childcare if you are trying to budget. It is a lot more expensive than most people realize. Before I quit working we were paying $600/month for one child in daycare and an additional child in after school care. It could make a HUGE difference in your monthly budget.

Answer 4

OK, I know you said that you didn't want the too young thing, but I am going to start out by saying that if you think that a job where you make 8.50 and 9-11 an hour is a good job you are living in fantasy land!

As far as safety to get pregnant at your age... I can't imagine why it wouldn't be safe, but I would suggest talking to your OB about in order to get checked out physically. They will likely have you start a prenatal vitamin to increase your vitamin intake. Since the most crucial time to guard against neural tube defects like spina bifida is\within the first 12 weeks through incresed folic acid I would recommend starting your prenatals now.

Anyway, talk to your doctor and get checked out to be sure it is safe for YOU personally.

Good luck, and try not to rush it. Since you are engaged why not wait until you're married?

Answer 5

Yes, it's safe to have a baby at 18. Will you later regret having a baby at 18? Yes. Just by the information in your question shows that you're not ready to have a baby. The fact that you think making 8.50/hr. is having a good job shows ignorance on your part. Wait. You and your bf aren't even married. You don't know how he's going to feel next year. And having a baby adds unneccessary stress. It's why a lot of marriages fall apart (Take a sociology class in college). Don't be in a hurry to ruin your life.

Answer 6

There aren't nearly as many risks as having a baby at say, 15 or 16. When teens around that age have children, it is a huge risk because they are not usually physically capable of giving birth, so it isn't as safe for them. But I'm sure it is safe to have a baby for you since you are most likely physically ready. Good Luck with everything!

Answer 7

I think that the fact that you included the amount of money that each of you earn is very interesting. It tells me you know, deep down, that this is an issue for you. The question is more than "is it safe?" Of course, it it's safe physically, people much younger than you have had children throughout the centuries. I would recommend, however, that you wait until your situation improves to such a point where this is no longer a question. Time is on your side.

Answer 8

I would tell you to just be sure you can afford to have kids... can you afford a house or a place to live. Are you ready for the lifestyle change.. kids take alot of time.. you wont have much free time anymore... will you still be able to work right after you have a kid.. and who will watch the baby while your at work ? Its really expensive to live today with expensive doctor visits, car payments, car insurance, mortgage or rent, all all the other things you have to have..... anyhow good luck on whatever your decision is....

Answer 9

There are no more risks at 18 than there are for woman in general. Just take care of yourself, start the prenatal vitamins now. Make sure you can provide medical insurance for yourself during pregnancy and for the baby after he/she is born. Sit down and figure out what you will do about childcare and stuff like that.

Answer 10

Those are good jobs? No matter, God provides for what he creates if we are faithful to follow Him.
People used to get married at 16 and started having kids.
Here's a better question - Is it wise to have a baby if I'm not married?
Why would you consider a child if your not married. If you're engaged then do the mature thing and get married first - then have as many as you want.