I'm pregnant. What should I do next?

If your pregnancy test is positive, it's understandable to feel mixed emotions.

You may be excited about having a child, worried about telling your parents, or anxious about pregnancy and childbirth. You may also be feeling worried or frightened if you’re not sure that you want to be pregnant.

Make sure you talk through your options and think carefully before you make any decisions. Try talking to a family member, friend or someone you trust.

Whatever your age, you can also ask for confidential advice from:

• a GP or practice nurse
• a contraception or sexual health clinic
• NHS 111 – available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

What support is there for pregnant teenagers?

If you decide to continue with your pregnancy, there are a wide range of services to support you during pregnancy and after you’ve had your baby. You can get support and advice from:

• Brook – visit your nearest Brook service for free confidential advice
• Family Lives – visit the website or call 0808 800 2222 for support for families, including young parents
• Tommy’s – visit this website led by midwives for the latest information for parents-to-be
• Shelter – a national housing charity that can advise you about housing options and housing benefits for young parents; visit their website or call them on 0808 800 4444

If you’re pregnant and on your own, it’s important there are people you can share your feelings with who can offer you support.

• Find out more about having a baby if you’re on your own | NHS

What is pregnancy (antenatal) care?

This is the care you have while you're pregnant to make sure you and your baby are as well as possible.

• 10 pregnancy appointments (7 if you’ve had a child before) to check the health and development of you and your baby
• screening tests to find out the chance of your baby having certain conditions, such as Down’s syndrome
• blood tests to check for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B
• screening for inherited blood disorders (sickle cell and thalassaemia)
  You’ll be offered more appointments if you or your baby need them.

Depending on your health and where you live, you may see:

• a midwife for all your appointments
• a midwife for some appointments and a GP for others

Support for Teenagers and young parents in Sussex

University Hospitals Sussex

• UHSussex Maternity and Neonatal Services
• University Hospitals Sussex | Further information 

East Sussex

• Enhanced care to pregnant young people
• Maternity services
• The Lighthouse Team | Instagram

Can I carry on with my education while I’m pregnant?

• Read more about pregnancy and education | NHS
• Grants and benefits if you’re studying and have a baby | Money Helper

Financial Support information

• Money for parents and babies | Maternity Action
• Financial Support for Families
• Financial help if you have children | Gov