So you’ve read our articles on Teenage Sex and Contraception. We now all understand that when we enter into a sexual relationship, we are entering into a world of endless responsibility – including the possibility of pregnancy and parenthood. Obviously, by being clued up on contraception and by putting our knowledge into practice, the risk of pregnancy is greatly reduced.

However, gals and guys, the risk is only reduced...Girls, we can still fall pregnant even if we and our partners think we’ve been using contraception correctly. Although the number of people who use contraception and fall pregnant is dramatically lower compared to the rates of people who don’t use any contraception at all (understandably), it does happen to people, and it could happen to anyone of us!

• The biggest 'give away' will be that you don’t start your period when you are supposed to. That’s why it is always important to keep a note of when you had your last period – especially when you are in a sexual relationship. This way you will begin to see a pattern of when you start your periods and all of your symptoms.



• If you do not start your period at your usual time in the month don’t panic immediately. Sometimes there are many reasons why your period doesn’t arrive on time. For example, if you are very stressed or busy or not eating properly! These reasons might make your period a bit late or it might even miss a whole cycle.



• However, if after a month you still haven’t seen any sign of the 'nasty stuff', then a trip to your doctor could be the best thing to do –just to be on the safe side. If your not pregnant then great, at least you were mature and brave enough to find out to keep your mind at rest. If you are, then don’t panic there are a lot more steps you can take to help you and your situation.

• The best thing to do is to seek help and as quickly as possible. Tell your mum, sister, friend, or boyfriend...basically anyone you can trust and feel comfortable enough to confide in.



• If you can’t tell someone you know then make an appointment with a GP, a Nurse or go to any Sexual Health Clinic or Advisory Clinic. These people will be as equally sympathetic and can provide you with professional but friendly advice and counselling. They will also be able to help you consider all of your choices.

• Your choices would be to either go forward with the pregnancy and become a parent, or have the child adopted. Or the pregnancy could be terminated, therefore it is ended. However, these choices sound very simple when written down. The choices I have stated are very black and white and seem uncomplicated. There is a lot that has to be considered and this situation will always affect each person differently, as we are individuals.



• While there are choices available to us, our social background will be a major influence to our final decision on the matter. This includes the way we have been brought up, our religion and how we as an individual have developed our ideas for what is right and wrong. These factors, alongside our personal situation will help us decide what is best for the unborn babies’ future as well as our own.



• If you decide to have the baby, there are maternity homes for pregnant teenagers, and single teenage mothers can usually get benefits or mother’s allowance. The Family Planning Association, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service and Children’s Aid Societies are good sources of information and support if you decide to continue the pregnancy.



• If you think that an abortion would be the only option then make sure you have spoken to an advisory clinic or a doctor or nurse. They can give you the necessary support and facts about termination. Abortion is a big step, as is parenthood, and is not always the best way to deal with the situation, so make sure you have considered it thoroughly.

Remember, it is your decision – not your boyfriend’s, or parent’s, or anyone else’s decision. But make sure you get some support to help you make the best decision for you!