What if you think you are pregnant?

Your period is two weeks or more late. What do you do?
There’s no choice, you’ve got to find out if you are pregnant.

You can...
> see your doctor who will give you an examination and test, and tell you if you are pregnant;

> buy a pregnancy testing kit from a chemist. These are generally very good and accurate, but some can only be used when your period is at least two weeks late. They cost between £8-10.

> take a urine sample to a chemist or health centre for testing; this usually costs about £5, and has the advantage of being quick, and if you wish anonymous;

> visit a Contraceptive & Sexual Health (Family Planning) Clinic; they will offer you advice, information, a free test and an immediate result.

What if it’s positive?
You will usually have three choices;

> you can go through with the pregnancy and bring up your child,
> you can give it over for adoption,
> or you can have an abortion and terminate the pregnancy.

None of these may be wholly the right one – just the best thing to do in the circumstances. It is vital that you do everything possible to make the right decision, for much depends upon it, and the consequences can last two lifetimes.
So talk, if you can, to your partner in the pregnancy, your parents, good friends and your doctor.

Contact:
> Contraceptive / Sexual Health Services for Young People/EAST SURREY
> Contraceptive / Sexual Health Services for Young People/WEST SURREY

Nicholas Royle (midwife)
01932 722413
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Offers support for pregnant women and parenting education.

Click on:
www.surrey-cybershs.co.uk for more information and contact details in Surrey
www.likeitis.org.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/having_a_baby
www.bpas.org
www.emmasdiary.co.uk

> Giving a Baby for Adoption
> Abortion/Termination
> Keeping the Baby
> Parent Responsibility
> Parenting and Childcare

The Surrey Teenage Pregnancy Partnership Board has produced an excellent Checklist / Directory for professionals who provide support to young people who think they might be pregnant, are pregnant or are teenage parents. click here to download a copy.