Think you might be Pregnant?

This information has been adapted with the permission of the bpas 2009

What are the signs of Pregnancy?

You can develop signs of pregnancy as soon as one week after conception (when a sperm fertilises an egg after sex).

These can vary, but may include:

• Your period being late
• A lighter or shorter period than normal
• Swelling or tenderness in the breasts
• Sensitive nipples
• Peeing more than usual
• Nausea or vomiting – often referred to as Morning Sickness, although it can occur at any time
• Tiredness and feeling irritable
• Mood changes
• Appetite changes (going off certain foods or food cravings)
• Stomach cramps, period like pains or feeling bloated

If you are experiencing any of these signs and especially if your period is late, your first step should be to get a pregnancy test to make sure.

Where can I get a pregnancy test?

You can get a test free from: -

• Brook services in Bedfordshire will be available as of December 1st 2009
• Shec/Shac
• GUM

For details of sexual health services in Bedfordshire please click here. However you can buy them from Pharmacies and Supermarkets which cost between £3 to £10. These are reliable so long as you follow the instructions carefully.

Testing at a clinic?

If you have got an appointment for a test at a clinic don’t forget to take:

• A sample of your first wee of the morning in a clean jar or pot with a tight fitting lid
• Details of the date of your last period
• Money to pay – not all clinics offer this for free so check before you go
• If you feel you have a friend or relative that you can trust then take them along too

When you get your result you will know whether you are pregnant (positive) or not pregnant (negative). If the result is negative and you don’t want to get pregnant then it would be a good idea to look at your contraceptive plans. Brook run clinics especially for young people and will discuss contraception methods that are best suited to you. Remember that you need to think about protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections as well as preventing pregnancy

YOU MAY FEEL LIKE YOU WANT TO IGNORE THE PREGNANCY AND HOPE IT WILL GO AWAY …… BUT IT WON’T!!

If your result is positive then you have 3 choices and you need to decide what to do but there are many people that you can talk to who will be able to help you to make this decision.

You could:

• Continue the pregnancy and keep the baby
• Continue the pregnancy and place the baby for adoption or fostering
• End the pregnancy by having an abortion (if you are legally able to do so)

It is normal to have mixed feelings about being pregnant when you didn’t plan to be. It is important that it is you that decides what to do in the end, but it can really help to talk to someone else about your options.

Who can I talk to?

An unplanned pregnancy can make you feel:

• Confused
• Frightened
• Shocked
• Lonely

It is important to seek advice as soon as possible, so that you can make plans for the next step. Try and talk it over with someone that you can trust.

If the father of the baby or your parents are not the ones to turn to, you could try another member of your family such as an older sister or brother, an aunt, cousin or grandparent. A friend, school counsellor, school nurse or doctor might be another option. The choice you make should be best one for you.

You might feel that you want someone to TELL you what to do – as this easier than making up your own mind.

Talk to someone that you can trust but the final decision must be yours.

DON’T WORRY

Thousands of young people find themselves in your situation every year and we have produced this information to help you through it.

If you feel like you have no-one to turn to, or don’t want to discuss it with someone who knows you, then you can get advice from your local Family Planning Association and local sexual health services. Click here for details of local services.

All of these people deal with young people like yourself everyday, so they understand what you are going through.