When Katherine Rolon found out she was pregnant, her first thought was, "My mother is going to kill me."

She was so afraid to tell her parents about her pregnancy that she kept it a secret for weeks. A close friend finally told Katherine's mother for her.

Photo by Dan Strange

 "I was afraid I wouldn't have my mom's support and that's what I needed most,'' says Katherine, 18.

Her mother's reaction surprised her. She didn't freak out or kick Katherine out of the house.

"My mom left it up to me," says Katherine. "She said she would support me in whatever I decided. My dad supported me, too. Having that support gave me the courage to keep my baby."

Afraid to Tell

Pregnancy, whether accidental or planned, can be totally scary, especially if you're afraid your parents will disown you or your friends will drop you. But some pregnant teens discover that their family and friends are the best place to turn when they have a major problem like pregnancy.

And it's better than having something terrible happen. Babies of teen mothers are more likely than others to be killed during the first year of life, according to a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study. Researchers think part of the reason is some teens are so afraid they hide the pregnancy and birth.

While it's totally natural to be afraid to tell someone about your pregnancy, keeping this major secret isn't the answer. You could end up hurting yourself and your baby. That's why it's really important for you to talk to your parents if you become pregnant, says Lee Doyle, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine.

Talk to Someone

But what if, for some reason, it's absolutely impossible for you to talk to your parents?

Look for another trusted adult—an aunt or uncle, older cousin, a friend of your parents, a neighbor, grandparents, or other relatives, advises Doyle, who has worked with pregnant teens for 25 years. Or, how about a teacher, guidance counselor, pastor, or school nurse? If there's no one you know and trust, then turn to a reputable community organization, says Doyle.

"Planned Parenthood's local clinics are well-known to be teen friendly,'' she says, adding that they charge only what you can afford to pay and they keep quiet about your visit.

You can also find out if your school has a clinic or counseling center. Or, you can check in the phone book under "Pregnancy Counseling" or "Crisis Pregnancy Counseling," advises Doyle. These centers can help you look at all your options—abortion, adoption, and parenting.

But be careful. Some centers have their own agendas—usually to talk you out of having an abortion, if that's what you're considering.

Ads for these types of counseling centers generally use words like "abortion education information" or "abortion alternatives." If you know absolutely that you don't want an abortion, then you can use these centers. They'll provide information on parenting and adoption. Otherwise, steer clear.

Katherine says her life is different now that she's a parent. But she's still happy she talked to her parents and friends about her pregnancy.

"My mother has been the most supportive person in my life," says Katherine.

For help in finding pregnancy counseling or contraception, call Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or click here. They also have a guide for helping you figure out what to do if you become pregnant. Check it out here.

Am I Pregnant?

Usually, the first clue that you might be pregnant is missing your period, although you can miss a period because of illness, stress, or major changes in your life. It’s also possible to have a light period and still be pregnant. Other common signs of pregnancy are sore or tender breasts, nausea and vomiting, having to urinate frequently, and fatigue.

You may have any or all of these signs or none. Everyone's different. That's why it's important to have a pregnancy test as soon as you miss your first period or if you've had a lighter-than-normal period and are experiencing other signs of pregnancy. The most private way to do that is with an at-home pregnancy test. These kits, available at most drugstores, generally let you take the test as early as the day after you were supposed to get your period.

If the test is positive, you should see your doctor or go to a clinic that provides pregnancy testing and pre-natal care. They can confirm your pregnancy and help you explore your options.

Editors' Note: If you've had unprotected sex and think you might be pregnant, you can get emergency contraception that can prevent pregnancy even after having unprotected sex. But you have to act quickly. Emergency contraception must be taken within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. For more info, call the Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-888-NOT-2-LATE (668-2528) or click here.

Some helpful Web sites for pregnant teens are www.momdadimpregnant.com and www.menandabortion.com.