You may already have had your pregnancy confirmed or you might just think that you are pregnant. If you haven't had a pregnancy test you need to have one as soon as you can. Pregnancy tests can be carried out on a sample of urine from the first day of a missed period. A more accurate pregnancy test result is obtained once your period is seven days late. Sometimes a pregnancy test done earlier than this may need to be repeated to check that the result is correct. You can have a free pregnancy test done at a Family Planning or Brook clinic or at your doctors.
You can take a friend along with you for support. You will need to take a sample or urine with you in a clean, plastic, soap free container. But don't worry if you can't bring a sample with you. You can give a sample of urine when you get there, but please note that the first specimen of the day gives a more accurate result. You can also buy a pregnancy test kit from you local chemist for about £10.

If You Are Pregnant

Once your pregnancy has been confirmed you are in a situation where you are going to have to make a choice about the outcome of the pregnancy, no matter how difficult this may seem at the time.
If you have had your pregnancy test done at a clinic in Sandwell, the nurse will have already discussed with you what your options are: -

1. To continue with the pregnancy and have your baby,
2. To look towards adoption or fostering.
3. To terminate the pregnancy (have an abortion)

You will have been reassured of confidentiality but will have been encouraged to talk to someone you trust about your circumstances, as you probably will be feeling overwhelmed, particularly if this is an unplanned pregnancy.

Continuing With Pregnancy
If your choice is to have your baby, then you will be advised to see your family doctor to begin your antenatal care.

Having a baby can be a difficult and stressful time for anyone but as young parents there may be additional concerns e.g. housing, antenatal care, benefits, education and childcare. For further help and support you can contact the Teenage Pregnancy Support team on 0121 612 2666 or 07980 235648

The counselling appointment is an opportunity for you to talk things through if you want to. The counsellor will not make your decision for you, but will support you with whatever decision you have to make.
If you decide to have an abortion you will be referred to a clinic in Birmingham where the abortion will take place. You do not have to pay for this as abortion is free of charge on the NHS.
Do not worry, as the Family Planning Clinic, Brook and the Birmingham Clinic will provide you with all the information you need.

Having a baby can be a difficult and stressful time for anyone but as young parents there may be additional concerns e.g. housing, antenatal care, benefits, education, and childcare.
The Teenage Pregnancy Support Service are here to help and can help you make well-informed decisions according to your circumstances.
Once a young person has made contact with the team we will arrange a mutual time and place to meet so that pregnant teenagers and young parents can discuss their concerns and possible solutions be found to any problems they may have.
The Teenage Pregnancy Support Service Team can help you with advice and support on:

For further information and help call 0121 612 2666 or 07980 235648

Help & Support for Pregnant Schoolgirls and School Age Mothers
Support is available if you are under 16 to help you continue with your education. If you are still at school the Re-integration Officer can support you continuing with your education while you are pregnant and returning to school after your baby is born.

The Batman's Hill Pupil Referral Unit offers education to expectant teenagers and school age mothers with an onsite nursery. This includes GCSE's, GNVQ's and includes health services too like antenatal care. The Re-integration Officer also advises young parents on education and health issues. Tel: 0121 557 5047.

 

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