18 and Pregnant with no income at all?

haras_nosirrah

stevemLS wrote: »

However, more importantly, if this is your third pregnancy by the time you are 18 next time you see your doctor/midwive perhaps you should ask for some advice around contraception.

I read it as one pregnancy but she has twice been to the clinic to abort the baby and not been able to go through with it hence why she will be keeping the baby

SuperHan

sulphate wrote: »

As well as the obvious issues that matj16 pointed out, perhaps you could suggest where the OP should live? Some universities do offer family accommodation, but this is often oversubscribed, and accommodation in halls of residence may not be suitable. As for shared housing, this is also oversubscribed in some areas and a bunch of students may not wish to live with a screaming baby in the next room. What about paying for childcare? Part time shop/bar work etc is not likely to be worth doing, the childcare rate per hour is probably more than she would be paid.

OP I suggest you get yourself down to the council offices and explain your situation. Your mother may well have to make you homeless before you get anywhere. In the meantime, I suggest you start looking for work. You wouldn't be entitled to statutory maternity pay but you can still get maternity allowance. Baby's father can be chased through CSA as others have said.

The part time job suggestion was for while she was pregnant. The OP is going to need a job for that time anyway, so why not part time while studying? Plenty of retail jobs are available while pregnant.

And I mentioned the small hours of contact time, as this is when childcare would be required. Home study time can be done with a baby (I know people who have done it).

And, yes the housing is oversubscribed, but somebody lives there, and it could be the OP - they won't know unless they try.

It may not be the most practical option, but it is definitely an option. And will probably require less childcare than a full time job (10 hours contact time plus 12 hours part time work, significantly less than 40 hours)

Unless you propose the OP just get on benefits now with no prospect of bettering themselves later. It's much easier to get a degree straight out of school, pregnant or not than go back later.

xylophone

You have decided to continue with the pregnancy. Try "Life" for help?
http://lifecharity.org.uk/

margaretclare

If you went back to school - sixth form I assume - your mum may be able to continue getting Child Benefit for you. Would that make her any happier?

Person_one

If you have bi-polar disorder you're going to find this pregnancy incredibly difficult. You will need very close support from whoever coordinates your mental health care.

Your council may have a dedicated mental health and homelessness team who are there to support homeless people with serious mental illness. Find out if there is one and contact them if there is.

whitewing

Probably your mum and dad worked extremely hard so that they could provide the lifestyle that they wanted to give you and they are disappointed as they know that this will be a hard situation for you. It isn't what they would have chosen for you at this stage of your life. So allow them to be disappointed - when the baby arrives, they will most likely be besotted.

I don't know if connexions can help?

PlymouthMaid

So you know you want to keep the baby. That is decision number one out of the way. Your A level results will not be through until almost the end of August will they? Could you speak to Mum and explain the options you are considering re school/uni/benefits etc and listen to her opinion calmly. I think the best scenario at least in the short term is that Mum lets you live at home until you at least know what September holds for you. You need more support than some others because of the bipolar (and all pregnant young ladies need support). I really cannot believe that your Mum wants to throw you out to fend for yourself but was more likely speaking from shock and disappointment. Try to see her side, acknowledge her fears and try to find a compromise.

Re uni, even if you cannot transfer credits, study will be good for your future. Maybe you could find a reading list applicable to your future course and make a start. If you get those grades, you could defer your place for a year and start ahead of the game. I had my daughter in my final year and was far from easy easy with a partner and family on my side. Good luck, here to listen x

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

nannytone wrote: »

this is a very similar thread to one a few weeks ago....
oh im 18 and pregnant ... the father doesnt want to know and my mother has disowned me!
possibly it is true ... but nowsays ... how many families would turf out a pregnant 18 year old?

My daughter in law's mum kicked her out when she fell pregnant at 17 so we took her in.

I have a really good relationship with her now whereas she doesn't have a relationship at all with her mum. It's her mums loss as her & my son despite being young have done a fantastic job at bringing up my granddaughter & she is a lovely happy little 2 year old now that her mum is missing out on.

thorsoak

Sorry - but I think this is the resident troll ...too many similarities with the other thread

pandora205

OP you need to get a doctor's letter to confirm the information you have given us and supporting your position that you stress is likely to have affected your A level exam performance. Send this to both the exam boards via your school or college and your university choices (there will be more guidance from the boards and UCAS).

It is much, much easier to do this now than after the results have been received, and examination boards and universities will take this into account if your results are borderline.