Firstly, if you haven't had a test done to confirm your pregnancy, it is a good idea to have one. Go to I might be pregnant to find out how to obtain a pregnancy test.

If you know you are pregnant, you may be feeling anything from excitement to panic and shock. It may take some time for the knowledge that you are pregnant to sink in.

When you are ready, you will need to make a decision about your future. This can be a difficult decision and it is important that you have support, accurate information and time to think it through without fear, panic or pressure from others.

I'm pregnant and I don't want to be.

What do I do now?

Your feelings may be overwhelming at the moment. Talking to someone about your feelings can help, especially if you haven't told anyone about your pregnancy.

You need to know the options available to you and you need support to help you through the decision making process. It may feel very urgent to 'do something' right now. Take time to think through the options clearly so that you make an informed decision.

What kind of help do I need?

Partners and family members can be supportive but it helps to talk to someone outside your situation who isn't caught up in the emotion of an unplanned pregnancy

A supportive person is someone who

• listens
• understands your feelings
• gives you time and space to talk things through
• helps you consider things you haven't thought about
• provides accurate information about the options available
• respects your freedom to choose what to do.

Who can help me?

Help is available from:

• Pregnancy counselling centres. Click here to find the nearest one to you.
• CareConfidential, the national free phone helpline, on 0800 028 2228. You can speak to a trained advisor immediately.

What are my options?

Firstly, you have a choice to continue with the pregnancy or not. If you choose to continue with the pregnancy, you then have the choice of parenting the child yourself or making an adoption plan for your baby. Click on the options below to find out more about them:

What about having a baby?

What about adoption?

What about abortion?