Pregnancy and Parenting

This entry in the It Happened to Me series provides a wealth of practical and empathetic advice and support for both female and male teens facing an unplanned pregnancy. Akin addresses the specific nuances confronting teens’ needs, ranging from interviewing health practitioners, support agencies, and day cares to handling criticism, miscarriage and infant death, and not losing focus on planning for adulthood. Akin uses extensive extracts from interviews with teens, none of whom faced their pregnancies in a similar way, and their varied choices and range of support systems offer a wealth of perspectives, including abortion. She also employs well-chosen quotes from specialists in obstetrics that focus on educational guidance and family dynamics, among other things, all in a direct tone. The sections addressing potential problems—angry parents, breakups, pressure from religious communities, and more—are particularly helpful and coach readers on ways to maturely and responsibly resolve the conflict. Relevant photos throughout show a range of teens. This matter-of-fact guide offers no-nonsense advice and support to teens in the midst of crucial life decisions.