Is being 18 years old too soon for having a baby?

[Anonymous]

[Chlo3_2001]

Waaaaaay too soon. Since you're asking for my personal opinion. If you want kids, have kids someday but make it easier on yourself. Wait until you're about 25 at least. You owe yourself that extra 7 years. Higher education, university. Or if that isn't your thing go and study a couple courses for a year or two at your local technical school. Work full time in a job and go up, go to therapy, make good habits, grow, learn about yourself, and the things you need to work on, your own place, car, see a few parts of the world and other cultures and people and ideas. Save up (save about 20K if you can). Also understand pregnancy and delivery can be incredibly risky and anything can happen so you need strong support and stability. Be with a great guy for 2-3 years before pregnancy, know more about yourself physically, spiritually, mentally, and your health. 25 If you really want kids is a young but sensible age to start. Good luck.

[Seinna]

Yes, I think so, assuming you live in a civilised world. It's not the best for the child, even if you can afford it and have a partner to help you which is a must if you're planning it. But being 18 years old, you lack life experience to pass onto a child. If you're already pregnant then 18 is just old enough where you will be able to do it but you'll have to give up on a lot of other things in your life. Don't get me wrong, children are great and motherhood is the best thing a woman can experience in her life - but far from being the only thing worth experiencing. The world we live in is simply not ideal for accomodating early motherhood and you will have many years to accomplish it in the future. I'd wait till you're about 22 or so if you have a choice.

[SinceYouAsked]

Question - are you already pregnant and looking for validation or thinking about doing it?
My wife and I were 18 when she got pregnant (not planned) and 19 when she had the baby. We have 2 sons and 2 grandkids and our lives turned out OK. But it was not without sacrifices or difficulties along the way. We had to make some tough decisions and things did not always go the way we might have liked. We worked to get to where we are.
So, if you're already pregnant, I'd say it's not impossible for things to turn out OK. But, you need to be ready to put a lot of effort into it.
If you're thinking about it, I'd tell you to think some more. It's expensive and raising a kid is not easy. You'll have some rough days. And it will have an impact on your body. No one else has mentioned that, but you (and your mate) need to be aware of that, as well.

[CuriousJC]

Yeah that is true. Anybody between 20 and below are not ready to become a mother. I remember when I was 19 at the time and my girlfriend was 17, my family gave me an ass whooping with the belt three times in a row when they found out that my girlfriend was pregnant. But apparently she told the truth and said that she forces herself onto me then she got the belt three times in a row while I got an apology and a bag of ice. My mother asked my girlfriend why, and she told her that she loved me so damn much that she really wanted me inside of her. I did not know what that means at the time until it was too late. I told my mother and her mother that I would take responsibilities but my girlfriend's mother got too damn sensitive and emotional and discriminative but she and my girlfriend moved away.

[Ronni69]

I got pregnant at 18 but had my daughter at 19. Was it planned? NO! Would I change it if it could? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I wasn't ready by any means to have a child. I was technically still a child myself. But I grew up fast. Being a parent comes natural. I had family support and I asked for help and guidance when needed. I have a 22 year old daughter, and 18, 10, and 2 year old sons. I can honestly say that you are really NEVER ready for a child. You can prepare and plan all you want but kids do not come with an instruction book. Each child is very different. Each parent is different. Your life will never be the same. Having a child is the biggest responsibility you will ever have. You are responsible for taking care of and raising that child. I can’t say that 18 is too young and I can’t tell you what age is best but what I can say is, If you can’t take care of yourself then you can’t take care of a child.

[malwins]

yeah it used to be normal 100 yes ago

[JohnK123]

@malwins well yeah bc look at society now
People would work so hard for like a few dollars or pounds or whatever
Now you can make more money so now you have to make money before having a kid

[BButterfly]

In the west? Yes. People here aren’t educated to take serious responsibilities as they grow. They focus more on pleasure and how to live your life for yourself not how to live your life and start a family. That’s why many people aren’t capable of that type of huge responsibility and being 18 will make it even worse. You might be ready or think that but once it’s really there you will start asking yourself many questions or later in the future start blaming yourself and your kid that you didn’t live your life as a free teenager or enjoy anything for spending it working extra time to provide money for the baby’s needs. This is a huge step so think wisely before you put yourself in a place that you’ll regret later.

[theeliigilbert]

It is even if you were 21 that’s still too young. Having a kid in this world isn’t a joke it’s a real life long commitment and if you’re serious enough no matter how old you are, be sure to do right and make sure it is raised well and taken care of under your care.

[The1Girl]

Yes, 9 times out of 10. At that age you still have your whole life ahead of you. There are still so many things to experience before (and I say this for lack of a better term), being held back by a child.
But then again, each individual is very different and some women may find their calling through becoming a parent. So ultimately it depends on the person.

[Anonymous]

If you are not financially independent, obviously. Unless you can afford things for yourself and another human being, it’s best not to get pregnant. Besides, emotional maturity should also be considered - assuming the baby is planned.

It’s best to wait until you have a secure job. If your parents are not ready to help you out with the pregnancy, you can get burned out too quickly which could affect both you and the baby. An infant needs an emotional and a physically healthy and present caregiver to develop into a healthy adult.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s super young and not even that really hard raising a kid at a very young age not even much experience with life and yourself yet. I wasn’t a teen mom and don’t have kids yet but my mom had my sister at 20 and she had to make a lot of sacrifices and it wasn’t easy for her especially since she had to rely on her siblings after my grandma passed. I wouldn’t have kids till after you have your career established, a healthy relationship with someone you loved, a roof over your head like your own place & financially stable to take care of your kid so you have what’s best for them. I don’t want kids till like between the ages 26-32.

[AdithyaR]

Pretty much, were still teens at 18. We don't magically go from teen to adult when you turn 18. Even more so cause our brains don't finish development until about 23 on average. Pregnancy and raising a kid are very big responsibilities and might very mentally straining even if you can physically handle it.
That being said, sometimes it works when you have a proper support system but still risky.

[ManOnFire]

Sorry to say, but Yes. Technically you're still a kid yourself and haven't even had your own time to explore life and everything in the world. Do you have any idea how many 18 year-olds had a kid and later regretted it? And they're now the women who've been angry for years because deep down they hurt from never having a chance to live life and do things they could've done before having kids.

[PhenomenalQueen]

What most of the guys said is very true, for the most part the younger you have your babies, it’s better physically and your baby is less likely to have health issues… However, depending on where you live it may not be the best idea.. In America most will tell you to wait and enjoy your life… Even if you’re financially set, I would still say wait… Enjoy your youth, that’s the best advice I got when I was 18 and I wish I would’ve taken it.

[TommyMountainFigure]

Generally i would say yes, but there have been studies which prove couples who have children younger rather than older keep younger longer, and then when their kids are older have a far better social life.

This of course depends on how stable the mother is, and it helps if the father is around too.

[DermalPunch]

In today's nuclear society with little to no parental and/or communal support it is not a good idea. Even if you are married and start a family early, people have such disdain for this. Ironically, they would praise you for sowing your wild oats and fornicating.

If you are planning on getting married young and starting a family I applaud this. It's a lonely path but it's more fulfilling with the right mentality, support and spirit. ✌

[Whatthefluff]

In my opinion, yes. But this would change depending on what kind of person or culture you asked. To me, at 18, you are still starting out and learning how to take care of yourself and hold your own. It's often shared that the brain takes longest to develop- until your mid-twenties.
No judgement, though, to younger parents who manage to hold their own. And no shame if they find it extremely overwhelming.

[Drumlin2001]

If you can financially support yourself, or the father can, then maybe it would get OK. Shouldn't expect your parents or state to pay to raise your baby. But consider more than likely the relationship won't work out so you will have to find a way to coparent

[DWornock]

It depends on when and also where. For most of human history, women had children prior to age 18, often by age 14. In the 1800s and early 1900s women often married at age 15 and 16. However, in modern USA society, 18 is considered too young to have children. If you want to please most people you know, you will agree. However, in many parts of the world woman are marrying by age 12 to 15 and sometimes younger.

[Anonymous]

In today’s time, yes. It was probably normal a few decades ago, but things have changed over the years. Most people after graduating high school tend to go to college, work, or join the military as a part of their future. It’s best to focus on your life and enjoy your youth before starting a new life with a new person, as well being stable and having a lifestyle that will help you survive as a young adult.
On top of that, babies require a lot work and money, such as food, diapers, milk, medical care, toys, clothes, etc. And this cycle will go on even when they are older, so there’s a lot of money involved.
And even though a female’s fertility will last until a certain age, you still have a long way when you’re 18, so don’t try to rush it.

[Anonymous]

Yes lol.
you're gonna end up a single mom and a cheater 😂
Just saying, it’s always the same story. Have seen it with my own eyes. Also I don't know we’re your gonna get the money for a brand new human to arrive in the world.
Early Pregnancy sounds completely SELFISH AND EVIL to me. No offense.

[Djaay]

Wow... so confused.

[serious_miss419]

Some will judge you and some will say whatever else. I started at 17, now I’m not even 35 and I’m finally getting some alone time and beginning to see the light. Where as other folks are just having their kids and they are exhausted 🥱 do you want freedom in your mid thirties or your mid late fourties’ ?

[shaysh87]

of course. You're not financially stable. You haven't experienced anything in life. Having a kid at 18 is a burden and will make your young adult like 100 times harder and less fun compared to having kids at 35.

[ObscuredBeyond]

Are you married? Financially well off? Spiritually wise? All these should be weighed in, and more, before jumping to bed in the attempt to have a child.

[exitseven]

I think so but if you can support a family at that age and provide a stable environment I guess it is okay.

[Chattyguy44]

I think having a baby between the ages of 15 & 18 is too young, as your not mature enough to handle it, but each situation is different and some times can't be avoided at all, so shit does happen, but it it still the wrong time.

[MarkRet]

Physically, it’s a perfect age. Financially, or emotionally, it might not be the best age.

[TransAm85]

Your body is good, but are you secure financially? Are you married? Do you have a job? These are things you need to consider.

[Djaay]

Or he is. You conviently forgot that one.

[Cubus]

If you are mature enough and can afford it, I would say it's not too soon.

[humanearth]

Some say yes, but if you have the right mind set and your ready to kiss a kid free lifestyle away for good

Then by all means. Have a few human puppies

[Darine123]

I tried to have a kid w my ex then I had a miscarriage, I don’t think it’s too soon if your partner ready in financial but if he doesn’t then don’t even think about it

[molonski2]

Biologically NO - Functional - YES , in these times? Certainly

[SkyCastle90]

If you don't have the resources to take care of a child, then it's too soon at any age.

[Apple1996]

I had a baby at 18 but I don't recommend others doing that unless they want to/feel ready too

[Boosss]

No actually it has nothing to do with age, its about the person it self, she might even be 35 years old and not being capable of taking responsibility or 14 years old but being responsible

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

If she can raise the baby, feed the baby, care for it that is all matters
but that child needs care also got to live in a safe environment too

[Adam1978]

I would say so unless you got an older partner that got things already together.

[Needadvice1202]

I had my first at 18
Everything worked out just fine 🙂

[uwu_princess]

Yes. I don't believe that 18yo girl is mature enough to have a baby. It's still a kid.

[t_time]

I'd say yes... im 31 and I still don't have my life together.

[douride2]

Only if you have the means to support yourself. Otherwise NO.

[GenaBaby1995]

Do you have over $300,000 in the bank? Or will you qualify 🤔 for food stamps after the baby?

[TheSpaceGnome]

Yes, unless you are born into money. Raising a kid is not cheap.

[Bubbles16]

Well I'm 18 but I don't think I'd be ready to take care of a child don't get me wrong I love kids but I don't think I'd be ready to have one of my own

[anton_dee]

Depends on the person. If you are the housewife type who loves having lids, cool. Otherwise it is a big hindrance to your social and professional life.

[Aquariusmystery]

For me personally I was nowhere near ready at 18. You may be different tho

[my_name_is__]

If you're happy and take good care of your baby it's not too soon. ❤️

[sheikalana]

Yea is a bit too soon there's still so much to experience in life. But sometimes is happens.

[finding_yourself]

depends if you are ready for a baby. mentally, physically and financially.
being a parent is life changing experience

[ElvenMr]

Probably too soon for most, unless she/he is mature enough and they have enough money and support from others to take care of the child.

[cookiecrusher]

Yes, you don't even know anything yet and most pick shitty men at that age. 25-28 would be much better age

[nawtee_me]

Medically? Not at all. Do you want to do you want to put a stop to your life for the next 18 years until it is 18?

[CallmeTheKnight]

Yes it is. You still a whole lot to learn about yourself and life at that age.

[TurkishDİxon3419]

No, but I don't think you're ready to be a mother because she's still a child and taking that responsibility isn't easy.

[LivingExample]

18 is Not too soon if you are Married, but if you are Not married it is too soon!

[kerrieberry03]

I think it's too soon although I'm 18 and my boyfriend is talking about kids with me.

[OddBeMe]

Oh god, hold your ground and manage your own birth control.

[ladybug12670]

Of course it's too young, and even too young to be married

[Reijen]

No, though it's up to you. Be sure you have your life in order ie be married.

[Interstate]

👏👏👏 YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!

[Luopio27]

Its not too esrly if both parents are fully committed to all the responsibilities.

[zagor]

Yes, she should finish an education and spend some time out in the world before making babies.

[sp33d]

Have at it if you want to. Might be too soon financially.

[AnthonyJ01]

Yes, I waited until I was in my 30s. 18 my be old enough physically, but mentally and financially it is not.

[Twalli]

In my opinion you should wait until after college, unless you were never planning on attending

[Guido]

Yes, you need to experience life as an adult first.

[Waldoe]

It is NOT too young, I would advise getting married 1st