Is 18 too young to start TTC?

Question

If you answered depends, can you please comment what situations it would be appropriate.

Answer

I don't think it's my place to decide when someone else is ready to be a parent, but I will say that you will probably feel a little left out of your social group, especially in your early twenties.  It doesn't sound like a big deal but my best friend went through this and she was very depressed and lonely for a few years because she didn't have the freedoms all of her other friends had.  We got to make weekend trips and go blow time and money in crazy places and she had to stay at home a lot of the time.  We tried to include her but in the end she still felt stuck.

I'm not saying this will be everyone's situation, but she's 30 now and she still talks about how lonely it was to be a young mother and how she would wait for a couple more years if she could do it over.

It's something to think about.  It shouldn't be the only deciding factor by any means.  Young mothers are extremely tough and resilient, but beyond money and maturity, a young mother may be in a place in her life that her friends won't be in or understand for years to come.

Answer

If you feel ready, and stable (financially, relationship wise, emotionally, and mentally) then I say go for it!

Answer

Financial stability, maturity, and time are all things anyone would need if ttc.

Answer

Depends I was still in high school and in a rocky relationship making hardly any money at 18. Some people are in a super stable mature adult relationship/married with their own homes and cars and great jobs at 18. Having a baby at 18 would of been a horrible choice for me but wouldn't be bad for someone in the other situation I described

Answer

I had to go to preconception planning appointments starting at age 16 when I was diagnosed with a rare hormonal imbalance that seriously affects fertility and pregnancy and even postpartum recovery. I had my son when I was 19 and that was a good decision for me to make because my doctor decided that from a physical stand point my body was primed for having a baby, and my marriage was in a good place, my husband and I made decent money, we were fully supporting ourselves, and unlike most people our age in many ways. Even now my doctor is pressing me to think about baby #2. (I want 3 children). So it's not a one size fits all type of thing. I think that people who believe childbearing shouldn't happen until whatever age they say it should, even if you are a legal adult, are really closed minded. My best advice is to think it over, decide what you want as far as short term and long term goals and ask yourself where your future baby would best fit in all this, then discuss it with your partner, and I always suggest getting the opinion of your doctor but I think most women probably don't do that if they are sure they are in perfect health.

Answer

Yep. I do. At 18 you're going through a LOT of hormonal changes and your body is literally pushing you to have a child. (It is!). Even if you think you're mature enough, you literally, physically aren't fully developed and mature. My mom made the mistake (well, obviously I now am not a mistake but you know) of conceiving me that young and she admits that she really really thought she could handle it, but couldn't. Of course if you're financially secure and have an actual plan the circumstances are a little different- but do I think it's a good idea? No.

Answer

I would say yes but as others have mentioned, it depends on financial stability and maturity. Also I'd say if you have a good support system. I conceived at 18, though I wasn't trying. I received an inheritance and without that I wouldn't know what I would do. I have no idea how people my age find a way to make things work financially but good for them. Babies need a lot. Lol. I'd like to add a baby CAN be a big strain on a relationship so I would recommend the parents go over things like how responsibilities and duties will be shared so it's not a problem when the baby is here and one is overwhelmed.

Answer

Depends on maturity and financial stability

Is 18 too young to start TTC?

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