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 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.

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:

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.

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

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.

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 507 2726 or 07766 466792.

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.

Young parents groups in Sandwell

The groups below are run by three Senior Officers for Young People and aim to support pregnant/young parents in the high priority areas who may suffer from postnatal depression, isolation, low self confidence or who are simply looking for something to do.  We offer pregnant/young parents a range of activities and plan the programme for the groups around their interests and needs.  We also aim to get pregnant/young parents to access other young peoples services and support them in the possibility of getting involved in some kind of education, training or employment.

If you have decided to terminate the pregnancy (have an abortion) and live in Sandwell your GP, Family Planning clinic or Brook will refer you to a counsellor for pregnancy counselling to discuss further.

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.