Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust: providing integrated contraception and sexual health services across Cambridgeshire,

Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk

Coping with an unplannedCoping with an unplannedCoping with an unplannedCoping with an unplannedor unwanted pregnancyor unwanted pregnancyor unwanted pregnancyor unwanted pregnancy

Suffolk Sexual Health Services

You have had a positive pregnancy test and are no doubt experiencing all sortsof emotions. Your pregnancy may have been planned but perhaps yourcircumstances have changed and now you’re not so sure. Maybe you neverintended to be pregnant in the first place.

Unfortunately, decisions have to be made and at such an emotional timeuncertainty and fear can paralyse you. Avoiding the pain of reflecting on yoursituation may lead you to make a snap decision or to rely too heavily on theviews of others without thinking through what is best for you.

When you are making your decision, it may be helpful to consider the following:

Your life nowYour life nowYour life nowYour life nowWhat is most important to you in your life at the moment? This might involvemany aspects such as family, partner, friends, work and education.

Your futureYour futureYour futureYour futureWhat are your hopes and aims for the future? Again, think about all aspects ofyour life.   How would these things be affected if you decide to:

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

 

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Another way of thinking about your situation is to consider how the followingstatements make you feel.

• Having a baby will stop me doing the things in my life that are mostimportant to me  

• My partner wants to have a baby with me  • I couldn't go along with an abortion• I feel ready to be a parent and bring up a child• I wouldn't be able to give my baby away• My family wouldn't approve if I had a baby.

Discussing your reactions with friends, family, partner or a health professionalmay help you see things more clearly and feel more confident about yourdecision.

• I'm  worried this my be my only chance of having a baby• My family would help me if I had a baby• I don't want to be pregnant• I do want to have a baby one day but I'd rather wait until I'm older or in a

committed relationship• I am willing to give up other things in my life in order to have a baby• I agree with abortion

For further information about this service contact:

If you require this information in a different format such as in large print or on audio tape, or in a different language please contact the service on the details above.

If you have any concerns about this service or suggestions for improvements, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on Freephone 0800 013 2511 or email: ccs-tr.pals@nhs.net.

For free, confidential health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year please contact NHS 111

©Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Website: www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk

Code No: Date of Production: Date of Review:

Working in partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk

The Orwell ClinicLindbergh RoadIpswichIP3 9FATel: 0300 123 3650

or

Department of GU MedicineWest Suffolk HospitalHardwick LaneBury St EdmundsSuffolk IP33 2QZTel: 01284 713243

0250 - April 2015 (V1)April 2015April 2018