Nikita, 19, was shocked to learn she was going to become a teen mum.
“I had been going out with my boyfriend for over a year when I noticed my period was late for the first time in four years. I took a home pregnancy test to see if I was pregnant and it came up positive. In that moment, I was excited, scared and shocked. The prospect of being pregnant for nine months and becoming a parent so young was daunting. What was going to happen to me?
How was I going to take care of such a little person? I didn’t tell my boyfriend until he came home from work that day. We discussed our options all night. We knew we had to make a doctor’s appointment to confirm it wasn’t a false alarm. It wasn’t. I was pregnant.
When we told my mum, I just said to her, “Guess what mum, you’re going to be a grandma!” As a mum at 19 too, she wanted to support me. When it comes to sport, friends and going out, things are going to be tough; it will definitely put life on hold.
Financially, my boyfriend is going to work and I will take maternity leave. We’re also eligible for Centrelink payments which will be a help. I have no doubt my life is going to change. I’m so scared of holding the baby the right way, the lack of sleep and that loss of freedom. I won’t be able to go to the beach, shopping centre or anywhere else young people my age go to without having to organise a babysitter first.
I know I’ll be tired and cranky after sleepless nights with a baby but I’ll also mature throughout the process. I’m really excited for the arrival of my first child and the next chapter in my life.”
*Model is in no way associated with this story*
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