There is no graceful way to tell you're single and pregnant. No matter how you breech the topic, it will turn out somewhat ugly. You need to do it soon though, so that they don't find out because of your growing belly.

why do you want to keep it your only 17 you expect your parents and the govt to help you out like al the other single mothers out there get rid of it now

You have to tell your parents you are pregnant and do not expect a good reaction. They will have many emotions, one of which will be disappointment, in both you and themselves in raising you. The mess you created is repeated all the time by the young particularly.

Do you have any idea what responsibility it takes to raise a child? The cost is phenomenal and to put that responsibility on your parents is unfair. How are you to afford doing this?

I may come under attack for this suggestion, but I would strongly urge you to get an abortion. The guy who got you pregnant is a jerk if he is not willing to cover the cost.

If abortion is not something you will consider, then have the baby and put it up for adoption for parents who are stable and offer to give it the support the child will need in life.

I feel having a baby and then giving it up to be far worse psychologically on a woman then it would be to have an abortion.

There is no easy solution.

And, do not have sex for a long time, learn from this mistake. Birth control is not 100% effective.

We all make mistakes in life, and part of life is digging ourselves out of holes we created.
Good luck.

On second thought, tell your parents if you believe they will support you in your decision to get an abortion. If they will fight this, or do not believe in it, then absolutely do not tell them and instead find a friend you trust to accompany you when or if you decide to follow through.

Abortion brings about extreme emotions and since you are still a minor, may have big troubles if your parents try to block you from having it carried out.

The above poster, being male, wouldn't have a clue what is more psychologically damaging to the female, abortion or adoption. You must tell your parents. It may be better in the long run to consider the adoption option due to your age.

$450 and a trip to Planned Parenthood, nuff said.

I do not have to be a female to know if something is more damaging to my opposite gender. Consequently, you do not have to be a male to know what would be more harmful to your opposite gender.

I have seen many women who are tormented by giving up a child for adoption, far more women suffer from this option than suffer from having abortions.

If someone argues on the basis of being pro-life, that is a separate issue, I'm rather addressing the welfare of the woman, not what has not yet been born.

Sisophous will refrain from posting offensive language in response to your accusations and will instead act as a positive motivating influence on CaliFighter to engage in more socially appropriate responses.

"tormented by giving a child up for adoption"? That is a load of crap. The guilt involved with abortion is as bad or worse. This is not only my opinion, but the opinion of countless others who have experienced similar situations. You sit at your computer giving encyclopedic, generic advice without the benefit of said experience.

Above comment given without a Pro-life view.

Freedomofspeech, I am only speaking from experience. Frequently a woman chooses to give up a child for adoption, but when the newborn arrives, she is engulfed in guilt and bonds with the infant upon holding it. Haven't you ever heard of the special bond between a mother and a newborn????? The mother can't bear letting go of the infant and revokes her earlier promise to give parental rights away.

As to the guilt felt by a woman who chooses to have an abortion, it affects them differently, some are indifferent soon after aborting whilst some do suffer guilt long-term.

I also choose not to post my qualifications nor a photo for the sake of remaining anonymous since there could be a conflict with my personal work. Although, Sisophous did contribute some personal information.

I also mentioned earlier, that because this adult topic is of such a sensitive issue, some may attack Sisophous.

No, being a parent myself I have never heard of this bond of which you speak (sarcasm, have you heard of this?). Your comments sound as if they were read straight out of a textbook, dry and caring as dust. I care not a whit about who you may or may not be. You have commented to young ladies that thier virginity is not important and recommended abortion as if it were the only logical solution to a problem that, although life changing, is not life threatening. This is the type of advice that the person voted "most helpful" on this site (Lord save us) gives. Spare me your condescending attitude.

Indeed, virginity is overhyped and not that important. Protection against disease and pregnancy is highly important. Sisophous is able to distinguish what is important from what carries far less significance in life.

Sisophous also advises others based upon statistics and/or personal experiences and does so with helpful intentions. I gave the young lady seeking advice two suggestions and merely explained the consequences of both. Obviously you are pro-life otherwise would not have reacted with such aggression in opposition to my suggestions. Am I surprised? Hardly, since this is a sensitive topic and I expected a volatile reaction from my earlier post.

To the two arguing above me. Abortion and adoption should never have been raised as an option of "help". The girl clearly stated "i want to keep my baby. but i dont know how to tell my parents. please help me?"

The only advice she is seeking at the moment is that of how she should tell her parent. She is scared of their reaction, she doesn't need you two bitching about her giving up or aborting her baby when she had no intention of doing either.

i agree with sisophous. i think that it would be harder to give a baby up for adoption, because you had it in you for about 10 months and grew somewhat attached to it you know? and if there is an abortion at an early stage in pregnancy, then you have not grown nearly as close to it. But yes, it would still make someone sad of course to do that too. But i have known people who have had abortions and they are fine and they do not regret doing that, because they were at young ages and knew that it was better not to bring another baby into the world that is already full of kids and blah blah blah im tired of typing about this. but you get my point

you are right bobert and i forgot to add that into my thingy. .
all i have to say is that i agree with what roger said about that

dont tell them, move out and keep your baby.

To original poster, adoption has come a long way. You can live in a community of girls in a similar circumstance, continue your education, and have no chance to "bond with child". Medical facilities are on grounds, and psycological mentoring is a part of the program. If keeping the child is what you want, then blessings upon you and all my good wishes. I apologize if any comments made by myself or opponants of my opinion on your original post have made you feel uncomfortable. Good luck.

In the vernacular of my native land, you are a complete horses ass.

Above to the almighty, all knowing Sisophous.

Approach the situation like an adult, and you will be treated with respect.

As far as expense, I have two children, and maybe it's just me, but it doesn't seem like this huge dent was made in my income. Having a child, in my opinion, is no more expensive than living on your own.

Best wishes to you, and everything will turn out okay - it may just be rough starting.

My sister was 17 when she got pregnant. I remember being so so so so incredibly angry and upset when I found out. I wanted her to have a miscarriage and I wanted to beat the shit out of her boyfriend. It was really rough on our family, all the way up to her delivery. I was away at college when the baby was born, but when my mom called to tell me it was a girl, I burst into tears. Happy tears! Now I absolutely adore this baby with all of my heart, and she has brought our family together. We're closer now than we've ever been before. I feel so guilty for ever wishing that baby to die, or for suggesting she give it up for adoption. She's 18 now and doing well. She graduated high school a year early and is already taking classes at the community college and working part time at a drug store. Her life is definitely more complicated, but everything has seemed to work itself out.

lick your mom's vagina so she feels so much pleasure that she can't be mad.

Have the child but Give it to the russian gymnastic team to raise and watch it on TV in 15 years sweep the gold in the uneven bars.

I doesn't make any difference how you tell them. Just tell them. Write a note if you have too. You need to talk to them and as soon as possible.

use condoms or become lesbian

let one of your friends call up the house when your not in and then make it sound officail then then say something about your pregnancy

just lt them know, they're your parents and they will love you no matter what, good luck in your situation!

just make up a story like..
tell your parents that a friend of yours is single and is pregnate. tell them stuff like that and see wat they say and i agree with be_weird_with_me (again) they love you no matter wat you look like or wat you do

say to your ex that if he doesnt give you 500$ that he best get a good job, because child support lasts 18-21 yrs

Soon or later your parents will notice the sudden weight again in a month or two.

I myself find it hard with the idea of abortion(entirely not a religious reason) but the idea of one's facing the consequences of one's action. Obviously your exboyfriend will need to be accountable for his actions as well and be willing to be there for the child - emotionally and finanically.

17 so young - you could of done something better with your life.

Abort.

Do it with a coat hanger if you have to.