Unplanned Pregnancy

Unplanned Pregnancy
Introduction
For many women, getting a positive pregnancy test can be great. But for others an unexpected and unplanned pregnancy is not welcome news. The aim of this leaflet is to help you consider your options and know your rights when pregnancy is not planned. It also deals with some of the questions that are frequently asked about having an abortion. Despite the fact that around 160,000 abortions are performed in England and Wales every year, there is still very little good information and a lot of misinformation about abortion.
Emergency contraception

If you have had sex without using contraception, or if the condom broke, pregnancy can be prevented if you act quickly. Emergency pills can be taken up to three days after unprotected sex, or an IUD can be fitted up to five days after. Emergency contraception is available from your GP, family planning clinics, and most genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics or sexual health clinics.

Missed a period?
If you've missed a period and think you might be pregnant, you need to have a pregnancy test as soon as possible. You may be experiencing some of the early signs of pregnancy such as swollen breasts, tiredness, or feeling ill, particularly in the morning, but not all pregnant women have these symptoms. You also can have these symptoms if you're not pregnant. And sometimes when you are pregnant there is still some spotting or bleeding at the time of an expected period. It is important to have a pregnancy test done so you can start thinking about what to do.

Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy tests vary in how soon they can detect a pregnancy. Some tests can tell when your period is one day late (although it is recommended to wait for five days). You can get pregnancy tests done at a variety of places:
Your GP should be able to provide a same day pregnancy testing service. Some health authorities no longer do pregnancy tests unless there is a medical reason to do so. Make sure you know how long it will be before you get the result.

You can buy a home kit from the pharmacist. These cost £8-£10. It is best to buy one that provides two tests. The tests are reliable if instructions are followed carefully. If a test proves negative but you still haven't had a period a week later, repeat the test.
If You're Pregnant And Unsure What To Do
Even if you've been expecting it, a positive can be quite a shock. Deciding what to do may not be easy. You may want to talk about it with someone - your friends, your family, your partner or GP might help. If you'd rather not talk to any of them, you can get advice and counselling from various information and community centres, including the organisations listed in the Resources section. You can also call Women's Health, who may be able to suggest someone you can talk to.

At this point, there are three possibilities open to you:
1. You may want to continue the pregnancy. The Department of Social Security and/or Council Housing Department can give you advice about housing and benefits. You need to arrange things early. It's important to see your doctor to arrange antenatal care. There is a helpful booklet called Who's having your baby?, which explains what you are entitled to.
2. You may decide to continue the pregnancy but want to consider offering the baby for adoption. Your GP or local Social Services Department can advise you
3. You may want an abortion. The rest of this leaflet gives you basic information about having an abortion, and where to go to get help if this is your decision.