Whether you expected it or not, finding out you are pregnant can be a shock. You are probably finding that you will go through a whole range of feelings. Whatever you might be feeling, the fact that you are reading this blog means that you have taken a very useful first step to looking for info that will help you make this important decision.
Don’t rush, take some time, look at all your options, speak to someone you trust, and remember, this decision is your decision.
So once you are sure you are pregnant (you have a positive pregnancy test result) you have three options to think about…
Parenting:
A choice to keep the child after it has been born. If you choose to become the parent, you will be legally responsible for looking after your child until they turn 18 years old.
Adoption:
A choice to continue with the pregnancy and hand over the child to adoptive parents after it has been born. This is a permanent and legal process once the consent is signed. You have at least 30 days after the child is born to sign the adoptive consent papers. Once signed you cannot change your mind. (see the links below for more information on adoption).
Abortion:
An abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancy. It’s sometimes called a TOP (termination of pregnancy). If the doctor thinks the pregnancy will be harmful (mentally or physically) to you, you can legally get an abortion in NSW.
You can get an abortion at specialised clinics, in some hospitals and specially trained GPs can give the ‘abortion pill’. You don’t need a referral from a doctor to have an abortion.
For more information call the Family Planning NSW Talkline 1300 658 886 or check out the Children by Choice website, If you’re in rural or remote NSW the Tabbot Foundation can help.
If adoption or parenting are real choices for you, it is important you look after yourself during the pregnancy including; eating healthy food, quitting smoking, drinking, using drugs and to seek ‘pregnancy care’ (called antenatal care) support services as soon as you can to help you through your pregnancy (see links below).
While you are figuring out what you are going to do, it’s a good idea, to work out which stage of pregnancy you are in, as this may affect your choices. The number of weeks pregnant can be worked out from the first day of your last period to the current day. If you are unsure of when your last period was a blood test from a doctor can tell how many weeks pregnant you are.
Continue to gather information – here are some really good websites and contact details that will give you more info to help you decide what to do and where to go for help…
If you would prefer to talk to someone speak to one of the health advisors below at:
- Family Planning NSW Talkline on 1300 658 886 8.30am–5pm weekdays
- Children by Choice 1800 177 725 or (07) 3357 5377 9am-5pm weekdays
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