If you are reading this, maybe you are pregnant or maybe you think you are pregnant.  Finding out that you are pregnant is a big deal no matter what age you are. Whether you are in a relationship or single the important thing to remember is that you are not on your own.

Pregnant?

So you’ve missed your period and you think you might be pregnant.  You are full of mixed emotions and are afraid to take a pregnancy test because that might make it real.If you had unprotected sex or your contraceptive didn’t work then there’s a chance you might be pregnant.

What do I do?

If you think you might be pregnant you can take a home pregnancy test which you can get from your local pharmacy.If you are unsure about the test results or the test shows that you are pregnant, you must then visit your doctor or a medical health professional.

At this point you will probably have loads of questions rushing around your head like what do I do now and who will I tell?
It’s important that you talk to someone you can trust, maybe a close friend, your boyfriend, a family relative or a teacher.  Hopefully this person will be supportive and help you decide what to do next.

If you want to speak to someone confidentially there is lots of information, advice and support available to you. 

Crisis Pregnancy Agency

The crisis pregnancy agency funds pregnancy counselling agencies around the country under their positive options programme.  The counsellors can help you sort out your feelings about being pregnant and help you look at your future options. 

Free text ‘list’ to 50444 for a list of free, non judgmental trustworthy counselling agencies.

Positive Options

www.positiveoptions.ie

National Pregnancy Helpline
1850 49 50 51

Call this number from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday to make a confidential and free appointment with a non judgemental Irish Family Planning Association Pregnancy Counsellor in a centre near you.

Treoir is an organisation that gives clear and up to date information to parents who are not married to each other.  Treoir will give you information on things like

• Social welfare entitlements
• Rent supplement
• Registering the birth of your baby
• Custody and access
• Passport applications
• Fathers rights

See www.treoir.ie also see our Fatherhood – What are my rights?

Once you decide to have a baby you should go to your doctor for a health check up.  Your doctor will advise you on what you need to do in the coming months.  As a young mother to be, you will need different services at different times. 

Here is quick low down on who’s who and what they do. 

General Practitioner (GP) / Family Doctor

Usually your first port of call when you are pregnant.  He/she will give you personal and continuing care. 

Obstetrician / Consultant

An obstetrician is the doctor in charge of your care at the maternity hospital during pregnancy and the birth of your baby. 

Antenatal clinic

This is the clinic in the maternity hospital where you will go for your check-ups during pregnancy. 

Antenatal Classes

These are special classes usually run by the maternity hospital to help you prepare for the birth of your baby.  You usually go to the classes towards the end of your pregnancy for about 4-6 weeks.  At the hospital ask if they offer classes for young parents. 

Public Health Nurse (PHN)

The PHN is based in your local health centre and are a great health for new mums.  The PHN will visit you when you get home from hospital with your baby.  They will do regular check-ups to make sure that your baby is doing ok and give you lots of advice about feeding and caring for your baby.  

Medical Social Worker

Medical social workers are based in the maternity hospital.  It can be useful to check in with them as they can offer you important information and advice on money matters, form filling, birth registration etc.

Social Welfare Officers (SWO)

The SWO is based in your social welfare local office.  You can apply to them for payments such as maternity benefit and one parent family payment. 

Community Welfare Officers (CWO)

The CWO is part of the local Health service executive (HSE) and are based in local health centres.  You can apply to them for rent supplement; back to school clothing, exceptional needs payments (for example, for a cot or buggy for the baby)