by Krista Reuber

About the author: Krista Reuber has a master’s degree in public health and has worked with several nonprofit organizations to improve the health of women and children.

My mother suspected I was pregnant even before I did. She noticed that I was run-down and tired, vomiting frequently and even more moody than my usual teenage state. As I was getting ready for school, she asked me if I might be pregnant. I was surprised and doubtful of her diagnosis, but I admitted that I had been sexually active for six months.

My mother always stressed the importance of communication and urged me to be open with her. When I was 12, we attended mother/daughter human sexuality seminars. Although she did not condone becoming sexually active at a young...