How to Get Support if You’re a Pregnant or Parenting Teen

Are you a young parent or about to become one? Being a parent doesn’t mean you have to set aside your goals for a career and education. You don’t have to do this on your own. Find the help you need to decide what’s best for you and your child.

All parents and soon-to-be parents have a ton of questions. Finding answers and making decisions will help you feel more confident and supported. Here are some answers for a few of the most common questions.

I just found out I’m pregnant. Now what?

Becoming a parent is a big step. Learn about pregnancy options for teens, including raising your child or choosing adoption or abortion.

If you decide to keep your baby, now may be the time to reach out to a trusted adult to share your news. You may be surprised at the support your own family will offer. If your own parents are not an option, other relatives, friends, teachers, Elders, or caseworkers can be good resources.

Tools and Resources

Connections App - transition from government care

Designed for Alberta youth aged 14–26 who are transitioning from government care, this app can be downloaded for both Apple and Android or explored on the web. It includes helpful articles, content from Indigenous Elders, and quick access to useful services.

What about healthcare for me and my baby?

Your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card gives you access to public healthcare across the province for free. Some professionals, such as midwives, also have private practices and charge a fee, but they’ll tell you this. If you don’t have your AHCIP card, you can apply for it here.

Now is the time to choose a healthcare professional. A family doctor, registered midwife, or obstetrician can do more than attend the delivery. They can also offer prenatal (before birth) care to help you stay healthy while you’re pregnant and catch issues if they arise. If a problem develops, they can refer you to a specialist. They also provide post-natal or post-partum (after birth) care to help you recover and make sure your baby is growing healthy and strong.

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Tools and Resources

Leaving Care and Stepping Into Adulthood

If you’re between 16 and 24 years old and can’t count on family support, here are some ways you can prepare yourself to be a happily independent adult.

Where can I find healthcare support?

You can choose from a number of options:

• If you’re under the care of a pediatrician, ask for a referral, as pediatricians aren’t trained to attend labour and birth.
• Find a family doctor near you by typing in your location. You can choose a male or female doctor.
• Find a primary care network in your area—a team of doctors, nurses, and sometimes social workers to look after you and your baby.
• Request care from a registered midwife.
• Go to Alberta.ca and search for “adolescent pregnancy clinic.”
• Go to Health Link 811, click on the “Information For” tab, and choose the “Parents” option. If you call 811, you’ll need your AHCIP number.

Can I stay in school if I’m pregnant or parenting?

Absolutely. Continuing your education means having more choices for you and your baby in the future. The schools listed here offer junior and senior high school classes. They also offer services from housing to parenting support for you and your baby.

Calgary

• Louise Dean School offers Grade 9–12 from September to June. There is also a 5-week summer school program for pregnant and parenting teens. Call 403-777-7630.

Edmonton

• Terra Centre offers education, year-round housing, and parenting supports. Call 780-428-3772.

Look for more school options and support through your local school board. Check out the Alberta School Boards Association for contact information.

Do I have to quit my job if I’m working?

Tools and Resources

Single Parents: Finding Work that Meets Your Needs

If you’re a single parent looking for work, your needs are different than other job seekers’. You may need to find a job that allows you to balance your life between work and home.

No. Having a baby is a normal thing. It may happen multiple times in your career. In most cases, employers in Alberta are required to give you temporary maternity or parental leave.

Many employers choose to offer additional parental supports, beyond what is required by law. Ask your supervisor, HR contact, or union about the expectations and supports available to new and expecting parents in your workplace.

What other pregnancy and parenting resources are there?

Check out:

• Connections’ Young Parents stories for details about financial support and childcare.
• Information about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a problem your baby may have if your drink too much alcohol while pregnant.
• Family Resource Networks, which provide information about programs and support.
• 211 Alberta for free, confidential information and referrals. On the website, choose your location from the list and then pick the Children/Families icon. You’ll find everything from programs that pay for or provide baby items to content about being pregnant and caring for a baby.
• Employment Insurance (if you’ve been working) to find out if you can receive maternity or parental benefits.
• The Canada Child Benefit. Register for tax-free monthly payments to help you with the cost of raising your child.