Is my pregnant niece harming the foetus?
Oct 10, 2013
My 16-year-old niece is three months’ pregnant and she does not want her parents to know. She confided in me and threatened to commit suicide if I tell her parents.
QDear Doctor,
My 16-year-old niece is three months’ pregnant and she does not want her parents to know. She confided in me and threatened to commit suicide if I tell her parents.
I am worried about the health of the unborn baby because she is not feeding well and she ties her sweater tightly around her tummy to disguise the pregnancy.
Won’t this harm the baby?
Worried Aunt
ADear Worried Aunt,
Please take your 16-year-old niece to any health centre that is currently offering youth reproductive health services.
They will offer emotional and counselling support so that she gets to terms with the condition.
The foetus needs all the nutritional support that the pregnant teenager has to offer.
It is important for you to note that your niece is still a teenager and, therefore, needs more nutrients.
In addition, when coupled with pregnancy, she will need all the food nutrients available to sustain both the mother and child.
Your niece needs immediate support.