Taking a pregnancy test is the only way you can know for sure if you're pregnant.
Thinking you might be pregnant can be confusing and scary. You may be wondering what your options are and how to decide what to do. It's a big decision that deserves a lot of thought.
Take the Test
But first things first: Taking a pregnancy test is the only way you can know for sure if you're pregnant. You can take a home pregnancy test purchased at a drugstore, or you can get tested at a health center.
Home pregnancy tests usually cost about $8-$15. They are very accurate when used correctly, but it's important to closely follow the directions in the package in order to get an accurate result. Many women who take home pregnancy tests that turn out positive go to health centers to have the results confirmed.
If It's Positive ...
If your test is positive, a clinician will need to perform a pelvic exam to feel the size of your uterus. This is to estimate how long you have been pregnant.
You have three choices if you are pregnant. You can choose to have a baby and raise the child. You can choose to have a baby and place the child for adoption. Or you can choose to have an abortion and end the pregnancy.
Option One: Raising a Child
Being a parent can be a wonderful experience. It can help people grow and understand themselves better. A child can bring joy into people's lives.
However, being a teen parent is often very difficult. Raising a child involves major commitments in time and money. Teens often have to put school and career plans on hold in order to raise a child. Spending time with a child takes priority over going out with friends and having fun. The children of teen parents may have a harder time growing up than children who are raised by adults. Raising a child without a partner can be even more of a challenge.
Option Two: Placing a Child for Adoption
Some women choose to have a baby and place their child up for adoption. Many women who make this choice are happy knowing that their children are loved and living in good homes. And some feel empowered in their role as birth mother. But some women find that the sense of loss is deeper and longer-lasting than they expected.
Adoption laws are different in every state. Find out in advance what they are in your state. You will also need to find out what rights a birth father has in your state. You may need his consent in order to plan an adoption.
Option Three: Having an Abortion
Abortion is a legal and safe procedure. Most women say that early abortion feels like menstrual cramps. Some say it feels very uncomfortable. Others feel very little physical discomfort.
Serious, long-term emotional problems after abortion are rare. Most women feel relieved. Some women experience anger, regret, guilt, or sadness for a short time. Women are more likely to experience serious regrets after abortion if they have strong religious feelings against it.
Many teenagers want to consult their parents before an abortion. But telling a parent is not required in all states. Check out this chart to find out what the laws are in your state.
How Do I Decide?
Here are some questions you can ask yourself that may help you decide:
Which choice(s) could I live with?
Which choice(s) would be impossible for me?
How would each choice affect my everyday life?
What would each choice mean to the people closest to me?
What is going on in my life?
What are my plans for the future?
What are my spiritual and moral beliefs?
What do I believe is best for me in the long run?
What can I afford?
Many women find that talking to someone about their feelings is helpful. You could talk to a family member, partner, friend, school counselor, religious advisor, or other trusted adult. Choose someone you trust, who will listen to you, be supportive, respect your privacy, and not try to pressure you into choosing a particular option.
When Do I Need to Make the Decision?
If you think you might continue the pregnancy, talk to a clinician about prenatal care as soon as possible, in order to make sure that you are healthy and the pregnancy is normal.
If you are considering abortion, you should make a decision as soon as possible. Abortion is very safe, but the risks increase the longer a pregnancy goes on.
While you are deciding what to do, take good care of yourself and get prenatal care. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, it's important to be healthy.
To make an appointment with the Planned Parenthood center nearest you for pregnancy testing, prenatal care, other health services, or to discuss your pregnancy options, call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN.
For additional information on pregnancy options and things to consider when making a decision, check out Pregnant, Now What?
Sexuality and relationship info you can trust from Planned Parenthood® Federation of America
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