Help, I think I'm Pregnant!

Unplanned pregnancy

This information sheet is available as a PDF or hard copy. Click the image on the right to download as a printable PDF or to order hard copies of our pamphlets please see our order form.

For some women, decisions around pregnancy are relatively simple. For others, the decision-making process is more complex.

This brochure will help you to consider your choices. Information and support is available and you don't have to make this decision alone. While FPWA is a pro-choice organisation, be aware that some organisations have strong beliefs, which you may not share. If you are not getting the support you want, go elsewhere for help.

If you think you are pregnant, get confirmation as early as possible.

Are you really pregnant?

A missed period is the most obvious sign, but doesn't always mean you are pregnant.

Other pregnancy symptoms include:

nausea and vomiting
sore breasts
increased urination
tiredness

There are two types of simple and accurate pregnancy tests available:

urine tests are testing kits which are available from pharmacies, supermarkets and clinics. Results are available in minutes.

blood tests may be used under certain circumstances

I Am Pregnant - Now What?

Talking to a doctor about your options may help you decide what is right for you. Most women also find it helpful to talk to someone they trust.

Professional counselling can help clarify your thoughts and feelings by exploring all of the options available to you when a pregnancy occurs.

It is your pregnancy and the choice is yours to:

continue the pregnancy and raise your child
continue the pregnancy and place your child for adoption
end the pregnancy (have an abortion)

There isn't always an ideal solution to a pregnancy and you may not feel happy with any of these options. By making an informed decision you can make the best decision for you at this time.

Things To Consider

What advice and support is available to you?
How do you feel about each option? Are you pressured to do what is best for others?
How might you feel about your decision afterwards?
How will you cope physically, emotionally and financially with each option?
What effect will your decision have on your relationships?
How will your decision affect your life now or your plans for the future?

Continuing The Pregnancy

Becoming a parent can be an exciting and joyful experience. Parenthood involves commitment and ongoing responsibility. Help is available during your pregnancy, and while raising your child.

Health - Visit a doctor to check your existing health and to receive ongoing antenatal (pre-birth) care. Consider any health problems, sexual health and dental checks, immunisations and health insurance. You may need to re-think your diet and exercise as well as lifestyle choices such as smoking, drug and alcohol intake. Prepare yourself by attending childbirth and parenting classes.

Housing - Consider how suitable your current accommodation is for raising a child. Contact the State Government's Department of Housing if you require assistance.

Money - Contact Centrelink to see if you qualify for any benefits. Both parents are required to financially support the child.

Parenting - There are many ways to raise a child so it may take time to learn what works best for you and your child. It may help to read parenting books or talk to other parents or health professionals. Both parents have rights and responsibilities to the child even if they are no longer together.

Relationships - You may notice changes in your relationships with the father of the child, your family and friends. You may feel closer to some people and more distant from others.

Adoption

Adoption provides a family for a child who is unable to live with their birth parents. It is a permanent legal arrangement where your child becomes the child of the adopting couple or person. Full parental rights and responsibilities are transferred to the adoptive family and all legal ties are removed.

If you are considering adoption, contact the Family Information and Adoption Service (FIAS) at the Department for Child Protection to discuss your options. A case worker will help you to understand the process and you will be offered counselling and support. You can also contact the Adoption Research and Counselling Service Inc. (ARCS).

Before adoption
You may find it helpful to place your child in temporary pre-adoptive foster care while you consider your options and feelings.

If you decide on adoption, both parents must sign an adoption consent form (or in some cases the birth father's consent may be dispensed), after which you have a further 28 days to change your mind and revoke your consent.

Proceeding with the adoption
During the adoption process you can be involved in selecting the adoptive parents you feel will be most suitable for your child.

Under the Adoption Act 1994 adoptions in Western Australia are open which means that the child, the birth parents and the adoptive parents are aware of each other's identity and while the confidentiality of all parties is respected, the atmosphere of secrecy is removed. A legally binding Adoption Plan will be negotiated between the birth parents and the adoptive parents, which states how often and what information will be shared. It also includes whether, how often and the type of contact between you, the child and the adoptive family.

After adoption
After giving your child up for adoption, you may experience a range of feelings and these may change over a lifetime. These feelings can include relief, happiness, sadness or guilt. Counselling services are available.

Abortion

An abortion (or termination) is a way of ending, or terminating, a pregnancy. Abortions are legal in Western Australia under 20 weeks of pregnancy as long as a woman has given her informed consent.

Who do I see?
If you are considering an abortion you must see a doctor who will provide you with information about any medical risks, as well as offer you the opportunity for counselling. The doctor can then give you a referral for the abortion.

The cost of an abortion varies and depends on your location, your stage of pregnancy, whether you have a Health Care Card and your Medicare or private insurance status.

It is normal to feel a range of emotions such as fear, sadness and guilt. Pre and post abortion counselling is available to provide support.

The procedure
There are two types of abortion available in WA, depending on how many weeks pregnant you are. Medical abortion is ending the pregnancy by using medication. Surgical abortion is a procedure using gentle suction to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Your doctor will discuss this further.

Under 16 years of age
The law says that if you are under 16 years of age and still living at home, a parent or legal guardian must be informed about your possible abortion. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) need to be given the opportunity to participate in the counselling and consultation process between the doctor and you, but the final choice is yours.

In special circumstances you can apply to the Children's Court for an order to proceed with an abortion without parental or legal guardian consent.

More information
To find out more about abortion read the Unplanned Pregnancy – Considering Abortion information sheet available from FPWA Sexual Health Services or online at www.fpwa.org.au

Further Help

For unplanned pregnancy counselling contact the Roe St Centre for human relationships on 9228 3693.

FPWA Sexual Health Services is a pro-choice organisation providing information and support for unplanned pregnancies.

Page last updated Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:24