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Pregnancy
If you think you are pregnant - the most obvious sign being your period is late - the first thing to do is find out whether you are pregnant or not.
You can get a free pregnancy test and confidential advice from:
| |  | contraceptive and sexual health clinics
| | | | young people’s clinics | | | | some GP surgeries |
You can ask to see a female doctor. The testing is confidential and only you and the nurse will know what’s going on. You can also buy a pregnancy test kit from a pharmacist or supermarket. These cost around £10.
Positive test result?
If you’re pregnant, and you need someone to talk to, try talking to an older sister, brother or your parents. If you don’t feel you can talk to your parents, there are lots of places you can go where you can talk in confidence.
If you are pregnant, it's good to have as many options as possible. The earlier you find out, the more choice you have. Basically there are three options:
| | | have the baby and keep it | | | | have a termination of pregnancy | | | | have the baby adopted |
All of these options need careful consideration but, in the end, you must decide what's best for you. There will be plenty of help whichever option you choose.
Six big questions
1. My period is late and I think I might be pregnant, what shall I do?
Before you do anything, you need to check whether or not you are pregnant by doing a pregnancy test. These are free at young people’s clinics, contraceptive and sexual health clinics and at some GPs. Testing is confidential so only you and the nurse will know.
2. I don’t want to go to a clinic or to have any one else involved at the moment. Where else can I get a pregnancy test?
For about £10 you can buy a home pregnancy test from a pharmacy or supermarket. You must follow the instructions carefully to get a reliable result.
3. What happens if the test is positive?
You now need to decide what to do. Other people – including doctors and counsellors - can explain your choices but, in the end, you must decide what you want. There are people you can talk to if you are unsure of what to do or if you are considering an abortion. The earlier you seek help, the more choices you have.
4. What will happen if I decide to have an abortion?
If you do not want to continue with the pregnancy you must seek advice as soon as possible. Do this quickly through a contraceptive and sexual health clinic, young people’s clinic or a GP surgery. You will need to know the date of your last period as the pregnancy is worked out from that date.
It is best for the abortion to be carried out within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. You will need to be seen by two doctors who will talk to you about the options and will check whether you understand what is happening. An appointment will be given to you as soon as possible for you to have the abortion.
See the Marie Stopes on-line guide - www.mariestopes.org.uk/Womens_services/Abortion.aspx - if you are still unsure.
5. I want to continue with the pregnancy but I’m still at school
It’s a good idea to let someone at school know you are pregnant. Your Connexions PA could be a good person as they will be able to support you while you are at school, when you go on ‘maternity leave’ and when you return to school.
There should be no barriers to stop you returning to school to continue your education. You will be entitled to up to 18 weeks home tuition (at a minimum of 10 hours per week but more can be arranged). You are also entitled to childcare costs through Care to Learn.
6. I have done a pregnancy test and I have found out that I am not pregnant. How can I make sure I don’t go through all of this again?
If you are having a sexual relationship then you must make sure that you use contraception if you do not want to become pregnant. The contraceptive pill will prevent a pregnancy but doesn't suit everyone. Condoms, if used properly, will prevent pregnancy and will also protect you from most sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are other forms of contraception available. A contraceptive and sexual health clinic or GP can explain the options.
Support and advice about pregnancy
Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service/Pregnancy Advisory Service Somerset - phone 01823 331121 for details of your nearest service .
Family Planning Association www.fpa.org.uk contraception, pregnancy and sexual health information and advice. Call 0845 3101334
Marie Stopes International UK www.mariestopes.org.uk information on abortion and contraception. Call 0845 300 80 90
Brook Advisory Service www.brook.org.uk free, confidential sexual health advice to young people. Call 0800 0185 023
Care to Learn www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn - finance for childcare for young parents aged under 20 in learning or training. Call 0845 600 2809
Miscarriage Association www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk support for those suffering from the grief of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Call 01924 200799
Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society www.uk-sands.org support to those who have suffered loss of a baby through still birth or neonatal death. Helpline: 020 7436 5881
R U THINKING? www.ruthinking.co.uk advice on sex, relationships and contraception. Helpline: 0800 282930
Being a young parent
It can be hard being a young parent, and many young parents can feel isolated.
If things get difficult, especially if your relationship with your partner suffers, it might be worth contacting Relate. This is a counselling service for individuals and couples. More at www.relate.org.uk: helpline 0845 130 40 10.
YOUNG PARENTS GROUPS
There are a number of young parent groups in Somerset that can help. These provide a space to meet or try out new things. Many also have a crèche.
At the groups you’ll also find support to get back into education, training or employment. Membership of each group is free.
Your midwife or health visitor should be able to tell you about local groups. Otherwise contact your local youth service centre or Connexions centre (see Your Town/Area for addresses).
TIPs
TIPs is a booklet for young parents, and parents-to-be, in Somerset. It contains information on parenting, health care, money and where to go for help and advice. Copies are available from Connexions.
Adoption and fostering
These services can offer information, advice and support:
Somerset County Council (Children and Families Services) www.somerset.gov.uk – call 0800 587 9900 (see Your Town/Area for addresses).
Adoption Contact Register www.statistics.gov.uk/registration/adoptions.asp. For adopted people and their birth relatives who wish to get in touch: 0151 471 4830
After Adoption www.afteradoption.org.uk – Talk Adoption service for under 25s who are adopted. Call 0808 808 1234
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