Where to seek help

Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 April 2010 13:14

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Finding out you are pregnant can be a scary experience, and one that might come as a shock if it is an unplanned pregnancy.

This could make you feel overwhelmed and you may not know what your first step should be.

A good place to start is by talking to someone you trust. This might be a family member, a close friend (who you can also ask to come along with you to see the doctor) or a counsellor. You may find this hard to do initially, but it always helps to be able to talk your feelings through with someone else and it is best to do this as soon as possible after finding out you are pregnant. If you are considering having an abortion then it is advisable that you see a doctor about this within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy- the sooner the better as this gives you more time to explore your options. After this point it becomes a more involved process (though it may still be possible).

Family Planning Associations, sexual health clinics or your doctor are good places to start.