HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Pregnancy information for teens & young adults
Mōhiohio hapūtanga mā ngā taiohi me rangatahi
Finding out you are pregnant can be overwhelming, especially if you did not plan to get pregnant. You might also feel anxious or worried about telling your parents. Remember, help and support are available.
If you think you might be pregnant, it is important to find out for sure by having a pregnancy test. Then you can learn about your options and the care and support that is available.
People you can talk to
If it is possible, talk to one or both of your parents or another close whānau (family) member. But you may prefer to talk to someone else first. Your general practice team is a good place to start. If you need to find a general practice team, you can search on this map.
Remember, your general practice team has to keep all information about your medical care confidential. They are good people to talk to because they know you best. But if you would prefer to see another doctor, you can see one for free at Te Tahi Youth.
You might prefer to go to see someone at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa. They can help you confirm whether you are pregnant then advise you as you decide what to do next.
You can also talk to a midwife – find one at Find your midwife. Many midwives provide free pregnancy tests and can talk about your options with you. You can also drop in to the Midwifery Resource Centre for a pregnancy test.
Pregnancy test results
A negative pregnancy test does not always mean you are not pregnant. If you think you are pregnant, but the test is negative, wait a few days before doing another test. If the test is negative, you might want to know more about contraception.
If your pregnancy test is positive, you may feel overwhelmed as you look at the options you need to consider. Remember there is help and support available to you.
Continuing the pregnancy
You may either wish to keep the baby or have the baby adopted. If you continue with the pregnancy you should contact a midwife. Midwives are trained health professionals who specialise in pregnancy and childbirth.
Ending the pregnancy
You may choose to end the pregnancy by having an abortion (termination).
Not sure
The most important thing is for you to have someone you can talk to about the different options available and how you are feeling. See the suggestions above for people you can talk to.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- PIPS
Pregnancy Infancy Parenting Support provides free practical support and advice.
- HealthTalk – Thinking about pregnancy and abortion and Experiences of young fathers
This site has video interviews with rangatahi (young people).
- Health Information and Services – Support for young pregnant people
Information written especially for young people with information and links to support services. Includes information about pregnancy tests, your choices, getting support and continuing your education.
- Community Law – Pregnancy Rights
A booklet explaining your legal options before, during and after pregnancy. It covers sexual health, health care, education for people under 18, housing, work, caring for a child, legal aid and where to go for more support.
On the next page: Support for teen parents
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2023.
Sources
Review key: HIPRT-53210
