This section explains where you can go for help and advice if you are pregnant and are not sure you want a baby.

I think I might be pregnant – what should I do?

If you think you could be pregnant you should do a pregnancy test as soon as possible. You can buy a test to do yourself from the pharmacy or supermarket, or you can ask for a test at some general practices, any young people's service, a contraception or sexual health clinic, a pharmacy (there may be a charge), most NHS walk-in centres (England only) and some GUM clinics.

You can carry out a pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period. Tests that are done earlier than this may not be accurate. If you don’t have regular periods, the earliest time to do a test is three weeks (21 days) from the last time that you had unprotected sex.

I’ve had a positive pregnancy test – what are my choices?

If the test is positive, this means you are pregnant. All pregnancy tests, when carried out correctly, are reliable, including tests you do yourself. You now need to think about what you want to do. You can choose to:

• continue with the pregnancy and keep the baby
• end the pregnancy by having an abortion

• continue with the pregnancy and have the baby adopted.

See Pregnant and don't know what to do? for more information about all of these options.

What should I do if I decide to continue with the pregnancy?

You will need to make an appointment to see a doctor so that you can get the antenatal care you need. If you are not already registered with a general practice see How to get help with your sexual health.

For more information about pregnancy care see our booklet on Planning a pregnancy.

If you think you want to have the baby adopted, find out about this as soon as you can so that you can get the right information and support. Contact the British Association for Adoption and Fostering. Tel: 020 7421 2600, www.baaf.org.uk or see www.direct.gov.uk, the Directgov website.

What should I do if I want an abortion?

There are many reasons why some women feel that they are unable to continue with the pregnancy. For more information see Abortion: your questions answered.

Who can help me with my decision?

Ultimately the decision about what to do is yours. Talking to people you trust and having accurate information can help. You may wish to talk to family and friends or it might be easier to talk to someone who is not so close to you.

Your general practice, contraception clinic, young people’s service and FPA can talk to you about how you feel about the pregnancy and the choices you have (see also the FPA booklet Pregnant and don't know what to do?).

You can also discuss your options with other services but they will charge a fee (see Abortion: your questions answered).

Information about unplanned pregnancy in Northern Ireland

If you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy and you live in Northern Ireland, FPA in Northern Ireland can offer:

• non-judgemental and non-directive counselling

• information on all your options to help you decide what to do.

The FPA unplanned pregnancy counselling service

The FPA unplanned pregnancy counselling service in the only impartial, non-judgemental and non-directive service available in Northern Ireland. Two centres in Belfast and Derry see about 500 women a year. All FPA services are completely confidential.

What is non-directive counselling?

Non-directive counselling means the counsellor has no opinion about what is best for you, and is there to provide a confidential, non-judgemental and safe place for you to explore feelings around your unplanned pregnancy, and the options you feel are open to you.

Whether you are thinking about continuing with your pregnancy, or considering abortion or adoption, the counsellor will take you through the practical aspects of each choice and provide helpful information.

Spotlight on the unplanned pregnancy counselling service in Northern Ireland.

Further information

For an appointment or to find out more call FPA in Northern Ireland on 0845 122 8687.

Abortion in Northern Ireland

Abortion is legal in Northern Ireland but only in exceptional circumstances. Most women from Northern Ireland who decide to have an abortion travel to England for a private abortion. FPA counsellors in Northern Ireland can provide you with information about clinics in England when you have a non-directive counselling session. This information will not be given over the phone.

FPA in Northern Ireland also offers a counselling service for women who have had an abortion. Any woman who has had an abortion can use the service, regardless of her age, or where or when she had the abortion.