Pregnancy

Confirming pregnancy

If you or your partner believe they are pregnant, they should have a pregnancy test as soon as possible. It is important that this is carried out without delay because, if they decide they want an abortion there are time limits.

Pregnancy tests vary in how soon they can detect a pregnancy. Some tests can detect pregnancy after a period is one day late. Others do not work for several days after an expected period. You should follow the instructions that come with the test.

After a period has been missed a urine sample is tested. The first urine sample of the day should be used.

Pregnancy tests can be done by:-

• the client using a home pregnancy testing kit available from chemists
• the client's GP
• the Family Planning Clinic at Le Bas Centre
• the Brook Advisory Centre, if the client is under 21 years of age

If, after having a negative test, you still believe you might be pregnant, or have missed another period, you should have another test to confirm the results. If you decide to have another test, you should wait at least a week after the first test.

After about 12 - 16 weeks of pregnancy, urine tests are not always reliable. You should therefore contact your GP who will examine you to confirm whether or not you is pregnant. Abortion on grounds of distress is not available after the twelfth week.

There are several options available to you:

- Carry on with the pregnancy and keep the baby.                                                 

- Seek medical advice and request a termination (abortion)

- Carry on with the pregnancy and seek adoption or foster care.

Try to talk to someone, so you reach a decision that is right for you. You might be able to discuss it with your partner if you have one, your parents, a friend or one of the YES counsellors. Perhaps you can get support from somone else, but it is important to seek advice as soon as possible, whatever you decide.

KEEPING THE BABY

If you decide to keep the baby, it's best to get advice and antenatal care as soon as possible (contact your GP for more information). It is important that you get support, as bringing up a baby can have difficulties as well as rewards.

Abortion/Termination

Once a woman has had a positive pregnancy test she may find it difficult to decide whether or not to continue with the pregnancy. If you are unable to make the decision alone, you could be advised to talk it over with her partner, or a sympathetic friend or relative. Alternatively, she could be referred to:-

• a GP
• to the General Hospital where there is a fully qualified counsellor
• a YES counsellor

If you are in any doubt about having the baby, it is crucial that you obtain a pregnancy test and makes an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible to avoid possible delays.

You will be required to discuss what alternatives are available with the doctor who you first consult to obtain an abortion.

Locally termination can only be carried out up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some private clinics in the UK also carry out abortions but it can be quite costly.

It is important that you seek advice as soon as you can, it won't go away on it's own!

For more information on Pregnany check out the following websites:

Brook

CAB

British Pregnancy Advisory Service

NCT