Pregnancy tests can be carried out free of charge by
Brook
Alternatively a you can buy a home pregnancy test from chemists, including Superdrug and Boots. (The cost varies depending on the test purchased).
positive result?
Many young women who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy may find it difficult deciding what to do. This information is not meant to push you into making any one decision, but to explain all the choices that are available to you. However, the quicker you act, the more choices you have open to you.
your options are:
option 1
Continue the pregnancy and keep the baby
option 2
Continue the pregnancy and place the baby for adoption
option 3
To end the pregnancy by having an abortion
The organisation Education for Choice provides a useful guide to help you with your decision making, visit: http://www.efc.org.uk/Pregnant/Makingadecision This service will help you think this through.
option 1 - continue the pregnancy and keep the baby
If you feel that having the baby is the best option for you, then you need to see your GP as soon as possible to make antenatal care arrangements.
If you're not registered with a GP, you need to do so quickly. You can find out about GPs in your area by contacting NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
If you don't want your GP to know you are pregnant it is possible to contact a midwife directly at your local hospital.
option 2 - continue the pregnancy and place the baby for adoption
Adoption provides a child with new legal parents who take over the responsibilities of bringing up that child.
Once made, an adoption order cannot be cancelled. If you are thinking about adoption you, or your midwife, should contact the adoption team in your local social services department.
Nothing final will be arranged until after the baby is born.
option 3 - to end the pregnancy by having an abortion
If you feel that an abortion (also known as a termination) is the best option for you, you need to act quickly so that it can be completed as safely and effectively as possible. The NHS and BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) in Luton will carry out free abortions by referral from a GP, Family Planning Clinic (including BROOK), GUM Department or a Sure Start Midwife.
You can also choose to go to BPAS or Marie Stopes as a private patient, but these services will charge around £450.
As waiting times can vary it is important that, if there is ANY chance you may want a termination, you see your GP or go to BROOK as soon as possible.
The longer the pregnancy continues, the more complicated it will be. A private termination also becomes more expensive further into the pregnancy.
Deciding whether to continue a pregnancy or not is a big decision and you (and your partner) may want to talk to someone. There are some details below you may find useful.
negative result?
This is a good time to sort out your contraception, you may also want to find out more about sexually transmitted infections.
There is a wide range of contraceptives available, including long acting reversible forms of contraception such as the implant, injection and IUD/IUSs. These forms of contraception have no user failure which means they do not rely on the user having to remember to take a pill or to use the method correctly.
You should always seek the advice of a medical professional for advice on the best form of contraception for you.
For information on the range of contraceptive methods visit the fpa website:
http://www.fpa.org.uk/information/leaflets/documents%5Fand%5Fpdfs/detail.cfm?contentid=174
Or, visit the RUthinking website: http://www.ruthinking.co.uk/about_sex/contraception/index.aspx
For information on sexually transmitted infections visit:
http://www.ruthinking.co.uk/about_sex/stis/index.aspx
or
http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/infections
or
http://www.likeitis.org/love_bugs.html
Key agencies
Brook
Condom Card Scheme
Integrated Youth Support Service
GUM
Teenage Caseload Midwifery Team
British Pregnancy Advisory Service
Emergency Hormonal Contraceptive Pharmacists
