When your pregnancy test is positive but you didn't want to be pregnant

You may feel confused, upset, shocked or dismayed. However you may feel you will need to consider the options open to you. How much time you have depends on how far on in the pregnancy you are already.

These are your options:

1. continue with the pregnancy and keep the baby
2. continue with the pregnancy and have the baby adopted or
temporarily fostered
3. having the pregnancy terminated ( have an abortion)

There are a number of people who can help and advise you. You may wish to discuss things with the clinic nurse or doctor, with your GP or with a counsellor, or the staff at Ward 2, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.

If you do not wish a termination but couldn't cope with bringing up a child, then adoption might be the answer for you. You can find more about this from the Social Worker at Social Work Department, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.

It may also be helpf ul to discuss the options with your partner, a friend or your family before making your decision.

In the end only you can decide what is the best thing for you to do.

Many people have faced the same choice and most feel they made the right decision in difficult circumstances.

The nurses and doctors at your GP practice or family planning clinics can talk over the options with you, at the time the test is done and at a later appointment. If you decide to continue your pregnancy, you can be referred to the antenatal clinic. There are 'pro-life' charities that can offer emotional and practical support to women who request it.

Thinking about termination