Includes bibliographical references (p. [213]-220) and index.

Parenting Starts with Pregnancy -- Your feelings matter -- See your healthcare provider early! -- Medical expenses of pregnancy -- Stay in school! -- Your parents' reaction -- Mother/daughter relationship -- Your partner's reaction -- If he's not with you -- Safety for Mom and baby -- Gangs and pregnancy -- Life goes on -- Dealing with Minor Discomforts -- Always tired -- Morning sickness--all day -- "Where's the bathroom?" -- Are you dizzy? -- Moodiness strikes -- You may have heartburn -- If constipation is a problem -- Varicose veins and hemorrhoids -- If you can't sleep -- Dealing with backaches -- Movement from baby -- Danger signs -- Pregnancy is not permanent -- Your Baby's Development -- Sperm and ovum unite -- Female and male reproductive organs -- Cells continue to divide -- Second, third months -- Fourth month ends -- Checking on your baby -- Prenatal visits lead to healthy babies -- You'll feel him move -- Sixth month--not ready to be born -- Baby gets fatter -- Eating Right for Baby and You -- Your baby eats what you eat -- Good nutrition helps prevent eclampsia -- Importance of protein -- Milk for baby's bones, teeth -- Fruits and vegetables -- Cereals and bread -- Take your vitamins -- Limit the fat -- Calories count -- The fast-food dilemma -- Eating for your baby -- "No" to Smoking, Drugs, Alcohol -- Smoking harms fetus -- Baby can't "breathe" -- Smokers may have smaller babies -- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) -- Drugs and pregnancy -- "No" to over-the-counter drugs -- For Some--Adoption Is an Option -- Adoption is changing -- Counseling is important -- Father's rights in adoption -- Adoption planning is difficult -- Grandparents' feelings -- Making the final decision -- Birthparents will grieve -- Supporting an adoption plan -- Preparing for Labor and Delivery -- Nine months of preparation -- Those early contractions -- Prepared childbirth -- You need a coach -- Relaxation techniques help -- Premature labor signs -- Prepare a birth plan -- Labor--an athletic event -- Your Baby Is Born -- Signs of early labor -- Timing your contractions -- Pain relief medication -- Transition stage -- Your baby's arrival -- Delivery of the placenta -- The circumcision decision -- For some, a C-section -- Baby's first test -- The Baby with Special Needs -- How parents feel -- How to help baby with special needs -- Telling others about the baby -- How to help a friend whose baby has special needs -- Your Fourth Trimester -- How will you feel? -- After-baby blues -- Getting help -- Lifestyle changes -- Bonding with your baby -- Handling stress -- Take a few minutes off -- Your partner relationship -- Feeding Your Newborn -- Many choose breastfeeding -- Less illness for breastfed babies -- The art of breastfeeding -- Is baby getting enough? -- Guarding your health -- Breastfeed in public? -- Some prefer bottle-feeding -- What Does a New Baby Do? -- What does she look like? -- Belly button care -- How baby develops -- What can he see? -- Notice her reflex actions -- Those first days -- Observe him closely -- What does baby want out of life? -- Infants don't "spoil" -- Perhaps she's lonely -- He may like swaddling -- Be sensitive to her needs -- Especially for Dad -- For teen fathers -- Perhaps you're older -- If you aren't together -- Father's rights -- Her parents may reject you -- Your parents' reaction -- Your responsibilities as a father -- Don't drop out! -- Dad's role during pregnancy -- Sharing prenatal care visits -- She needs a labor coach -- Taking responsibility -- It's not easy -- Another Baby--When? -- Sex may change relationship -- Issues to consider -- Other objections to contraception -- Lots of options -- Birth control pill -- Intrauterine device (IUD) -- Contraceptive implant -- Injections -- STD concerns -- AIDS--the incurable STD -- Caring for yourself and your family.

Discusses nutritional, medical, and social aspects of teenage pregnancy and teenage parenthood.