After the baby, What becomes of the Couple?

Written By:
Madeline Kim

Published:
Nov. 06 2009

The wonderful knight in shining armor falls deeply in love with the alluring princess from another land. Things begin to get serious and choices are made regarding these two lovely characters. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, around 750,000 teens in the United States become pregnant each year. But what happens to the knight in shining armor when a prince junior enters the fairytale love story?

Teen pregnancy is tough to deal with on both ends of a relationship. Still being in high school, it is a huge weight to carry for the mother and potential father. Feelings do not always last a lifetime. Studies show that in the United States, eight out of ten teenage fathers usually do not marry the mother of their children. Making such decisions concerning marriage and pregnancy can be a lot to handle as a teenager.

Senior Angelica Baskerville became pregnant as a teenager and has since broken up with the the father of the child.

"I have not spoken to him in three years. We were not in love with each other or anything like that, but it was fine. We had both agreed that there were not feelings between us any longer," Baskerville said, "I found someone new now, and he is very supportive. Things are not too hard on me."

Partnerships can last through all the ups and downs of teen pregnancy and the stress that can come along with it. Support can mean the world during tough times, especially when raising a child. Having a child is not a one-man or woman show.

Baden Ayala presently pregnant as a senior, is still with the father of her child.

"It can get rocky at times, but overall I know he is happy," senior Baden Ayala said. "I mean I am having his kid, a potential child, or grandchild to someone else. It can be difficult for the both of us sometimes, but I know that it will all be okay."

A loving relationship is not only important for the parents, but also for the child entering the world. If a parent shows little involvement during the pregnancy, it is likely they will have little to no relationship with their child later on. Having a child can help bring together or break apart a couple, knowing that they share the responsibility of caring for another living being.

"It was hard telling my boyfriend that I was pregnant because it had come as a surprise," senior Sunasia Bledsoe said, "But he came to reality that he is a father. He attends school but comes to visit at night and helps take care of the baby."

Jumpstarting your life with decisions about your child and marriage, then juggling school at the same time can be a lot of work on the mind. Learning to balance things out can lead to a happy fairytale ending for everyone.

"We do still keep in close contact, our relationship is still tight," senior Millisa Harrod said, "I have known him for around two and a half years now and it is going great so far."