The scariest thing is thinking you may be pregnant, or finding out you are pregnant when it was unintentional. I've been there, I know. I was 15 and desperately looking for different websites that could tell me the signs of pregnancy, what to do, and basically give me some support. I'm hoping to provide you with different things you need to know all in one place. Make sure to check out the Pros & Cons of the different decisions you can make.
Safe Haven - a safe and anonymous place to leave a newborn.
Emergency Contraception (EC) aka "The Morning After Pill" is a form a birth control taken AFTER you've had sex. In the majority of the cases this EC will work for 72 hours after you had unprotected sex. Others say they may work up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, but the sooner the better. You do not need insurance or a lot of money for this. Contact the following places for more information AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:
Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-PLAN
EC: 1-888-NOT-2-LATE (English)
1-866-EN-TRES-DIAS (Spanish)
or visit their website.
Some numbers to call if you are pregnant and don't know what to do. Also, they have great websites with a lot of information (including some specifically for teens)
Option Line - 24 hour Pregnancy Hotline
Think you may be pregnant? Check for the symptoms of pregnancy here, here or here.
Need a free pregnancy test and support? There is also information there specifically for teens.
***Remember there are 3 options when you find out you are pregnant. You can decide to keep the baby, give it up for adoption, or have an abortion. I am here to help, not to judge you or your decisions. At the same time I do not feel comfortable giving information on how to get abortions. Some of these links may contain information on abortions inside them, and that is something you will be able to research on your own. (Please note there are links on this page for post-abortion counseling and support.)***
Pregnant and concerned? Options and help.
Pregnancy centers for women in crisis:
Definitely pregnant? Thinking about adoption?
Need a home to live in while you are pregnant? Take a look at these places.
Already had an abortion? Find help, hope, and counseling.
Need to talk to someone confidentially and freely about a past abortion? Call:
1-866-4 EXHALE
(1-866-439–4253)
Monday – Friday
5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Pacific
Saturday – Sunday
12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Pacific
Spanish-speaking counselors are available every Wednesday and upon request.
A quick note:
Being a single teen mother is hard but definitely doable. I have been able to succeed despite the different circumstances that have been thrown my way and I am confident others can do it as well. Some people may not believe in you and try to make the decisions for you, but remember: it is ultimately up to you. It is your life and your future that will be affected by the decision that is made. I believe that women today are becoming stronger and more independent than ever. If we want something, we'll work hard, and we'll get it. This is why I believe that, even alone, women make great parents if that is what they set their minds to. Whatever decision you make it is one that will stick with you forever. Please read the Pros and Cons of the 3 options available to pregnant women to assist you in your decision making.