Okay Maria,

DON'T GET MARRIED JUST BECAUSE YOUR PREGNANT!

If I was you I would consider the whole adoption thing. BECAUSE you AND the father will find it really difficult to achieve your dreams while having a child and i think most teenage mothers would tell you the same thing. (FYI their is a form of adoption called open adoption.) I also would say you need to talk to someone who can get you the help you need with the decisions you have to make. Now if you have decided to keep this child you need to be prepared for what that means.

That means:
sleepless nights (for at least a year!)

Having a job (and spending all the money on this child!)

Trying to finish school (while teaching someone else)

Always putting this child first! Which can be difficult to do sometimes!

You will laterally have to go from being a child to an adult over night. Now I don't know about the whole having to settle for second best men. Sounds like something someone from the fifties would say but whatever.
But hey Marie at least you decided to speak your mind. But that does not make what you have seen the whole truth! I don't know anyone who has settled for seconded best men because they have children. My mom never settled! She just choose men who were scum! AND it is possible to find the love of your life when your 15, 14, and even 13. I went to school with a couple who got together when they where in 7th grade and got married when they were 20 and are together still. but EITHER way it is about giving a child the things they need and sometimes want while giving them a endless supple of love and support. Now Maria if you can hand all that you will be fine!!!!

I can see where Marie is coming from in her reply above, but adoption is a HUGE decision. It doesn't always work out as rosily as it did for her friend. You may have considered or be considering adoption, but don't think it will be as easy as all that. You can't just 'give up' a baby and never think about it again. Even if you did end up in the happy scenario of another relationship and more kids, what would you tell them? Would you tell them? And if you didn't, how would you cope with that secret?

And not all single mums end up on the scrap heap love wise. Even women who don't have kids can end up staying single all their lives - they can't blame their kids! There's a lot more to meeting and keeping relationships than whether there are kids from previous relationships involved. Don't let that put you off keeping your baby if you want to keep it.

We live in a very different world these days and there are choices. Always remember that.

Wow this is getting heated. It's because it is such an important topic and honey you are not alone. I replied to you earlier and I totally agree that you need to talk to someone outside your family like a counselor at school, church, etc... getting advice off the internet is probably not your best bet.
I do have to reply to the ignorant comment that women with children later end up w/2nd rate men. First of all, a man who can provide love and security unconditionally to a child that is not his is FIRST rate in my book and ranks way higher than some selfish person who thinks that only his DNA will do. My 2nd husband is a wonderful father and I would never even consider to share the barbaric comments that that woman made with him or my children. It is wonderful for her that she has never been in a compromising position so she is able to sit back and judge others. However, I believe my lovely children made me even more of an asset than a liability and my husband would definately agree. It may be harder to find a 'Mr. Perfect' later, but if you do, he will be worth every heartbreak inbetween. (As long as your child doesn't get attached to too many 'throw aways' in the meantime). But, we are all getting ahead of yourselves... your problem is now. Should you get married? I would have to say it's not a good idea. And if it is not against your belief system, I strongly believe that open adoption can be a beautiful thing, but not easy. Good luck sweetie. You have to grow up too soon, but don't let it totally take away your childhood.