i just want to say--that i had my son at 19. So and I have been together for 5 years.
Everyone has already told you about the need to be financially stable but I want to bring up this:
Do you really and truly know about all the hardships of being a mother other than finances?
Do you know about post-partum depression? Do you know how SERIOUS it is?
No, not everyone will get it.
But practice this...set your alarm for every 2-3 hours and get up, and sit in a rocking chair. Pretend there's a baby on your boob for 30 minutes. Go back to bed, repeat. Every night. For at least two months.
You will become a zombie. Whether you have post partum depression or not, that is enough to really mess with your mental health. But seriously..I understand why you want a baby. And you seem very mature. Thing is..if you have any friends..know that they will likely abandon you. You will not have time for them. Everytime you want to go ANYWHERE, a baby will be with you. That's very hard when you need to go to appointments.
All in all...you will love your baby more than life itself. But it's not all hairbows and beanie caps.
It will stress you out to the MAX.

I had to drop out of college because I was throwing up all day. Had a very complicated pregnancy and had him 2 weeks early...I was lucky enough to go back to school this fall...now I'm in nursing school. It's the hardest thing I've ever been through and I can only hope that I will make it through, for my son. So that I can stop having to have help from my family with money. SO makes anywhere from 300-600 a week and we barely scrape by. My son has a good life though and he makes me soo happy.

Your life won't be just complete smurf if you have one...but I think about the future all the time and how different it would be if I had waited to have a child. We would be able to spend our money or things we want, not just need. I wouldn't have to worry every second of every day if my son is okay in daycare or whoever is taking care of him...or what if he gets leukemia? what if he gets a brain tumor? you know? Having those types of things to worry about is a terrible feeling..

<blockquote><b>Quoting Amanda Korchinski:</b>" Holy Smu*f!! I live in Canada so we dont pay for hospital stuff and so on. I know you have to in USA ... [snip!] ... think OP should wait! How can someone making her amount with a boyfriend in school POSSIBLY afford the hospital bill alone!?!"</blockquote>




That was the price for me being covered 90% by insurance. And its still a crap ton! And you cant. My parents are paying mine. Bc im doing the best i can to provide food and clothes for my kids (but-im VERY lucky to have parents who care so much about me-plus they male around $110k per yr cOmbined. So way more than me)

Quoting Amanda Korchinski:" Holy Smu*f!! I live in Canada so we dont pay for hospital stuff and so on. I know you have to in USA ... [snip!] ... think OP should wait! How can someone making her amount with a boyfriend in school POSSIBLY afford the hospital bill alone!?!"

Actually, that's a low figure.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4811024_cost-having-baby-hospital.html

It's no joke. Unless you give birth at home with a Doula. You also have to factor in all of the bloodwork, ultrasounds, follow-up care, etc.

Quoting SaraSaraBoBara:" i just want to say--that i had my son at 19. So and I have been together for 5 years. Everyone has already ... [snip!] ... he gets leukemia? what if he gets a brain tumor? you know? Having those types of things to worry about is a terrible feeling.."

My sister has a 7 month old who hasn't slept even halfway through the night since she was born. She wakes up every single HOUR. Zombie is an understatement, my poor sister. I used to wake up with my niece when my sister was working nights, that is some tough s*** and that was only a few days a week.

Maybe start by getting married before you start TTC!

Quoting Watagatapitusberry.:" <blockquote><b>Quoting April + Rydenn:</b>" I know a lot of people voted "no" on this ... [snip!] ... to "define your parenting ability." Trust me, I'm 18 with two and although they weren't planned it isn't a walk in the park."

No, I never said that anyone on here was naive. I do have a job, my partner has a full time job, we have a house together, a car, and we do indeed have savings.
I never said it was going to be easy, and I never said that my child was planned either.

<blockquote><b>Quoting veggie86:</b>" Actually, that's a low figure. http://www.ehow.com/facts_4811024_cost-having-baby-hospital.html It's ... [snip!] ... Unless you give birth at home with a Doula. You also have to factor in all of the bloodwork, ultrasounds, follow-up care, etc."</blockquote>




Holy!! After reading this, I actually watched a movie called Pregnant in America. Id definitely do the home birth thing if I was in that situation. Wow, I real eye opener. Not sure how anyone can afford to have a baby!

School, school, school because as good as it all sounds now, when you have a new baby it's an entirely new situation.

I understand wanting a baby and being in the financial position you're in because I feel the same way. I feel the same pull.
But for the love of a child- you need to be further on in life. More financially stable than the #s you put out there.
My husband and I make at least twice what you and your fiance do and were struggling as it is. (And we live in Indiana so our cost of living isnt much higher than yours) What happens if your vehicle breaks down and you have to get another car with payments? Could you afford that with a baby?
Do you have health insurance? or Can you afford a 20,000$ hospital bill?
Do you have 30+$ weekly for diapers? If something happens and you cant breast feed...Do you have the money for formula?
Trust me sweetie- I get it. I want a baby just as badly but its just not a responsible decision right now.

Quoting bearcavefactory:" My name is Rachel and I've been with my fiance for 3 years and we're like every normal couple. We have ... [snip!] ... anyone really ever 100% ready for a baby? I doubt it. I've finished high school, graduated with honors. Please don't judge me."

I think it's okay for you to have a child. You're 18. You can do anything you want bbygirl. You have a family that supports you and your fiancee's decision and you both have steady jobs.
If you want one, go for it!