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girls' health
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Check out our latest column for MTV!

Teen editor Chelsea Jia reports on the 2003 World AIDS Day and the latest on HIV testing.

 
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Ask the Experts Frequently Asked Questions
Teen Parenting
We�re pregnant and want to raise the kid together? Can we do that?

You can, but you have a lot of work and planning to do if you want to have a successful partnership. Bringing a child into a relationship is difficult and creates a whole lot of issues and problems that you�ll need to deal with.

First, talk about how having a child will change your lives. Is your relationship strong enough to survive the heavy changes that come with a child? What does each person need to do to make the relationship more solid?

You�ll also have to decide whether you want to get married and where you�ll live. Will you rent an apartment, live together at one of your parent�s homes or each stay with your parents until you�re more secure?

You also have to divide responsibilities for caring for the baby. Will one of you stay home during the day? Or will you both work or go to school and have a relative or daycare provider care for your child?

How will you support yourselves and your baby? Are your parents willing and able to help? 

Spend a lot of time talking about these things. Basically, you�re figuring out the best ways to start building this new life. Many towns offer programs for teen parents. They can teach you how to prepare for life with baby. They might even have counseling services to help you two work through any problems. If your parents are supportive, you should turn to them for help and advice.

This is a lifelong decision, so be sure to get the support and information you need to understand the job that�s ahead of you.
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