HealthInfo Canterbury
Pregnancy information for teens & young adults
Mōhiohio hapūtanga mā ngā taiohi me rangatahi
Finding out you're pregnant can be overwhelming, especially if the pregnancy wasn't planned. 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's important to find out for sure by having a pregnancy test so you can learn about your options and the care and support that's available.
People you can talk to
If it's possible, talk to one or both of your parents or another close family/whānau member. However, you may prefer to talk to someone else first. Your GP (doctor) is a good person to start with. If you need to find a general practice team, you can search on this map.
Remember, your doctor has to keep all information about your medical care confidential and is a good person to see because they know you best. But if you'd prefer to see another doctor, you can see one for free at Te Tahi Youth.
You might prefer to go to see someone at Family Planning. They can help you confirm whether you're 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.
Youthline also has some information on pregnancy, and you can call their helpline, text, email, or chat for advice.
Pregnancy test results
A negative pregnancy test doesn't always mean you're 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 wish either 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 a termination (abortion).
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 young people.
- Ministry of Health – Support for young pregnant women
Information written especially for young women which provides information and links to services to support young mums. Including: 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 January 2021.
Review key: HIPRT-53210
