In a video posted to YouTube on October 22, teen internet sensation Sophia Grace announced to her fans that she was pregnant at the age of 19. At the time, she knew to expect a lot of criticism from people who were ‘very shocked because it probably was quite unexpected.’
She went on to explain that she was just as shocked when she learned of the pregnancy, but she quickly accepted the news and is now ‘super, super happy about it,’ adding she ‘can’t wait to share this journey with you guys.” She’s currently 21 weeks pregnant – roughly halfway there.
After reading some of the harsh YouTube comments, Grace decided to respond to the critics in an interview with E! News. She feels “as long as you feel ready and it’s something that you’re happy about, then it’s really no one else’s problem,” adding she’s choosing to ignore the critics.
“Usually most people are like, ‘You should have babies when you’re 30 and you’re married and you live in your own house,’ which is completely fine. But obviously, everyone’s gonna have their different opinions,” she said, noting that ‘19 is quite young, obviously,’ but she feels ready.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age at which women gave birth in the United States has increased from 27 to 30 over the past three decades. Not only that, but fertility rates have been on a steady decline for women aged 20-24, but on an incline for those aged 35-39.
Sophia Grace started to receive national attention when she was featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show roughly 10 years ago – she was just 9 years old at the time. She made regular appearances on the show with her cousin, Rosie McLelland, who also had a voice.
The two were born in Harlow, Essex, England, and quickly rose to fame on YouTube – their cover of Super Bass by Nicki Minaj has received more than 55 million views. Grace later released singles of her own in 2013 and 2014 before her official debut single in 2018.
Teen Moms Show Their Support for Sophia Grace
While Sophia Grace has received plenty of criticism since announcing her pregnancy a week ago, she has also been met with a lot of support from teen mothers who experienced similar criticism during their own pregnancies. One such mother, Kaitlin Preble, had to speak up.
“When my family found out about my pregnancy there was a lot of disappointment not only because I was young but because being a parent is a huge responsibility,” said the 34-year-old mother, who was 19 at the time. She added that the decision ‘weighed on me heavily mentally.’
Preble explained she was already dealing with a lack of confidence leading up to motherhood – citing a lack of plans, income, and stability. The added criticism and overall hate she received ‘brought down any self-confidence’ she had left – though she eventually learned to overcome it.
It’s not just teen mothers that receive the criticism. One Wisconsin mother of three opened up about being a young mother at 23 – adding that she looked much younger than her age. She would receive weird stares, rude encounters, and people talking about her behind her back.
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“I wish more people understood how intimidating it is to become a new parent, especially with the world watching and judging and waiting for you to make a mistake. I wish people understood how emotionally and physically draining it is and how desperate it can make you feel,” she said.
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