Your options if you're pregnant

If you think you might be pregnant, it's important to take a pregnancy test so that you can find out for sure. You can buy one from a supermarket or get one for free from your GP practice or local sexual health clinic.

If you weren't planning to have a baby and your pregnancy is unexpected, you may feel:

• shock that you are actually pregnant
• happiness that you were able to get pregnant
• worry that you aren't ready, or can't afford to have a baby
• anger that you are pregnant and didn't choose to be
• anxiety about what other people will think
• excitement about such a big change in your life
• concern that you might make the wrong decision
• fear about the process of pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy options

If you are pregnant there are 3 options available to you. You have the right to choose any one of them.

Antenatal support

For a healthy pregnancy, it's important that you get in touch with your midwife as soon as possible so they can help you with your pregnancy care.

If you want to continue with your pregnancy it's important that you get in touch with your midwife as soon as possible so they can help you with your pregnancy care.

There are different ways of being looked after during pregnancy. You'll have a say in how both you and your baby are cared for.

Looking after your health is very important during pregnancy. You’ll be offered lots of advice and your midwife will be able to help and support you.

Ready, Steady, Baby has further information

Abortion

If you do not want to continue with the pregnancy you may decide to have an abortion. If you are unsure and want to talk about it more, you can make an appointment with your local sexual health clinic or your GP.

They'll be able to support you and talk things through. They'll also be able to tell you what to expect and arrange a referral if you decide this is the right option for you.

This video gives further information about abortion

Adoption

You could decide to carry on with the pregnancy and have the baby adopted.

If you decide that adoption is right for you and your baby, a social worker will help you with your decision.

Preparing for adoption can begin before your child is born. But nothing will be definitely arranged until after the birth so you can change your mind.

You might feel differently once the child is born and want to become a parent.

For more information, you should talk to your midwife or GP who'll put you in touch with a social worker.