Could I be pregnant?
• Once your body starts producing eggs (ovulating) you can become pregnant if you have sex with a boy or if sperm gets anywhere near your vagina.
• This can happen even before you start your periods. Girls younger than 10 have got pregnant.
• If you’ve never had sex or contact with sperm then you won’t be pregnant. You can't get pregnant through giving your boyfriend oral sex.
• See the pregnancy factfile for more.
• Up to five days after sex you can use emergency contraception to stop yourself getting pregnant.
How do I know if I 'm pregnant?
Missing a period
is the most obvious sign but there are others, like sickness, needing to wee more often, tender breasts, unusual vaginal discharge, tiredness and a metallic taste in your mouth.
What should I do if I think I might be pregnant?
• Get tested right away. It’s best to have a pregnancy test done by your GP or one of the centres listed below, because it’s free, confidential (they won’t tell anyone) and expert staff are on hand to give you advice.
• Or you could buy a home-testing kit. These are usually very accurate and available from chemists and large supermarkets for about £7. Read all the instructions and follow them carefully.
• If the result is positive see your GP.
What if I am pregnant?
• Tell someone. If you can possibly tell your parents or carers, then do, you might be surprised at how understanding they are even if they’re shocked at first.
• Always tell your GP who’ll keep it totally confidential. You can also speak to staff at any of the centres listed below.
• The sooner you tell someone, the more options you’ll have for your next move. And the easier it will feel to think them through. You won’t need to rush to make the right decision.
• If you are pregnant then the options you need to consider are: having an abortion, adoption, fostering, or becoming a mother. But get expert advice before making a decision.
REMEMBER: Sex under 16 is illegal
Further help and advice
• Type in your postcode and find help in your area at ruthinking.co.uk
•
likeitis.org.uk/
or call 0845 300 80 90 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to find out how make an appointment at a Marie Stopes centre near you
•
brook.org.uk/
or call 0800 0185 023 (free) to find out how to make an appointment at one of their advice centres
•
fpa.org.uk/
• Childline are always there to talk about this or any other issue in total confidence 24 hours a day on 0800 1111
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Pictures posed by models.
