SARH PALIN'S DAUGHTER ON ABSTINENCE

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's 18-year-old daughter, an unwed mother, has spoken out against teenage pregnancy, but says her famous mother's advocacy of abstinence is unrealistic.

Bristol Palin's pregnancy became a US presidential election campaign talking point last year after her mother was announced as Republican candidate John McCain's running mate.

Bristol Palin gave birth to a baby boy named Tripp in December.

Speaking about the birth to Fox News, Ms Palin said she now hoped to become an advocate against teenage pregnancy.

''Everyone should wait 10 years,'' Ms Palin said.

''I hope people learn from my story It's so much easier if you're married, have a house and career. It's not a situation you want to strive for.

''I'd love to be an advocate to prevent teen pregnancy. Kids should just wait. It's not glamorous at all,'' she said.

However, Ms Palin acknowledged that abstinence was ''not realistic at all''.

Ms Palin said her son brought her so much joy that she had no regrets about having him.

She is engaged to the baby's father, Levi Johnston, and said her fiance saw their son every day.

''He's a really hands-on dad,'' she said.

''He's just in love with him as much as I am.''

Ms Palin said telling her parents she was pregnant was ''harder than labour''.

Mr Johnston and her best friend went with her to break the news.

''I was just so sick to my stomach. And so, finally, my best friend just, like, blurted it out,'' she said.

Ms Palin also said it bothered her to hear that many people thought her mother was making her have the baby, when it was her own choice.

Sarah Palin also appeared in the interview, recorded in Fairbanks, Alaska.

She said she was proud of her daughter, ''Wanting to take on an advocacy role and, you know, just let other girls know that this is it's not the most ideal situation, but certainly, make the most of it.

''And Bristol is a strong and bold young woman and she is an amazing mom. And this little baby is very lucky to have her as a mama. He's going to be just fine.''