Seton Home provides help to homeless youths who are either pregnant or parenting. For the majority of teens who become pregnant, family members although many are initially upset, are available to give parent and baby love and support.

Seton Home is here to provide support for teens and babies who have no family support. While we can’t help everyone with shelter, you may find some help in the following sections:

1. See a doctor first! Prenatal care is very important. The sooner you find out, the sooner you can begin taking the prenatal vitamins that are important to the healthy development of babies. If you do not have a doctor, you may visit the Metropolitan Methodist Family Health Center at any time at 210-435-4400 for a free pregnancy test and doctor referrals.
2. Talk to a family member about the situation. If you don’t have a family member you can speak to, speak to any adult you trust. This may be difficult, but seeking out a trusted adult is important.
3. If you think it’s likely that you’re pregnant, take precautions as if you were pregnant. For instance, don’t consume alcoholic beverages, tobacco or other drugs.

1. Take time to explore your options by talking with your doctor, your family, or other adult who supports you. Keep in mind that not everything will get figured out right away.
2. Together, you should discuss the following:
   a. Do baby and I have a place to live?
   b. How can I get regular medical care?
   c. Do I need to inform my school? Is there a school in my area that has a daycare or campus for teen moms?

There are several help lines that you might try calling, and websites you can look at…

2-1-1 is for the Texas / United Way Help Line (or 210.227.4357)
1.800.448.3000 is the Girls and Boys Town National Hotline
Texas Health and Human Services website: www.hhs.state.tx.us/tirn/tirnhome.shtml

If you think you may need our services, please contact Seton Home at 210.533.3504 or e-mail us. If possible, please speak to your parents, caseworker or probation officer first and call us together.

For more information, please visit www.standupgirl.com. This site has an informative “in utero tour” which will take you month by month through the physical changes that will happen during your pregnancy.

There are countless ways that a pregnancy will affect your body, which is why it is vital to have professional medical care for as much of the approximately 40 weeks of your pregnancy.

A healthy diet is the first place to start. Your baby is depending on you for good nutrition every step of the way. The National Women’s Health Information Center offers more information at http://www.4woman.gov/pregnancy/.

Once you have visited the doctor, follow any advice and prescriptions carefully. Be sure to go in for regular check-ups. If you have medical-related questions or issues between appointments, contact your doctor.