Finding out you are pregnant can bring on different feelings. You might feel happy, surprised, confused or even sad.
Some people plan to become pregnant. If you’re thinking about planning a pregnancy, go to:
Pregnancy can often be unplanned. This is OK. This page is for people who are pregnant and are not sure what to do.
There are lots of different things to think about when finding out you are pregnant. It is important to remember that it is your right to choose whether you want to have a baby or not.
On this page you will find information about:
- How to find out if you are pregnant
- Pregnancy options
- Support networks and services
- For more information
- Resources in other languages
How to find out if you are pregnant+
Common signs of pregnancy may be:
- missing your period
- feeling sick or vomiting
- having sore or larger breasts
- feeling dizzy and tired
Not all people who are pregnant have these signs because everybody is different. The only way to be sure you are pregnant is by having a pregnancy test.
If you think you might be pregnant, it is important to have a pregnancy test early.
What is a pregnancy test?
A pregnancy test can let you know if you are pregnant. A pregnancy test can be done by a urine or blood test.
You can buy a urine pregnancy test from a pharmacy or supermarket. You then follow the instructions on the packet.
A blood sample pregnancy test can be done through your local Family Planning NSW clinic, GP practice, Women’s Health Centre or health service.
Pregnancy options+
If you did not plan to become pregnant, it is important to take time to understand the choices available to you and make a decision that best suits your current situation.
This can sometimes be a difficult decision.
When you are making the decision on what choice best suits you, it is good to consider your personal circumstances, support available to you, and how many weeks pregnant you are.
Pregnancy options can include:
-
continue with the pregnancy and keep the baby
Choosing whether or not to raise a child is a big decision. You might choose to parent with a partner or parent alone. If you are in relationship, you may choose to involve your partner in a discussion about your options.
For more information about choosing to become a parent, go to:
- continue with the pregnancy and put the baby up for adoption or foster care
If you choose to continue the pregnancy and have someone else look after the baby, adoption and foster care are available.
To learn more about adoption and foster care, go to:
- end the pregnancy (also called abortion)
If you have an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel abortion is the best option for you.
There are two types of abortion used to end a pregnancy:
- surgical abortion – which involves an operation, usually under a light sedation, to end the pregnancy
- medical abortion – which involves taking medications that cause a miscarriage and can be offered if you are less than nine weeks pregnant
To learn more about abortion, go to:
Pregnancychoices.org.au - Abortion
It is your choice what happens with your pregnancy. Other people should not pressure you to make a decision to continue or end a pregnancy.
Your family or partner cannot decide for you, but it may be helpful to talk to them when making your decision.
For more information about these pregnancy options, go to:
Pregnancy choices – Pregnancy Choices Helpline
Or you can call the Pregnancy Choices Helpline on 1800 008 463.
Support networks and services+
It can be difficult to talk to someone close to you about pregnancy choices but talking to someone you trust can sometimes help when making a decision.
Whatever you choose to do, it is important to know who you can call for support. You can contact the following services for support about pregnancy choices:
-
Pregnancy Choices Helpline – 1800 008 463
Confidential information, support, and referrals for pregnancy choices in NSW
Click here for more information - Department of Human Services (Centrelink)
Information about support, payments and tax for parents continuing a pregnancy
- Family Referral Services (FRS)
Information, support, and access to services, for families who are in financial distress or cannot access services.
- Family Relationship Advice Line and Centres - 1800 050 321
Family dispute resolution (mediation) and advice for parenting arrangements outside the Court system.
For more information+
Download the Pregnancy choices booklet for easy information about pregnancy choices. Click here to download.
You can also call the Family Planning NSW Talkline on 1300 658 886 to speak to a nurse or click here to talk to one of our nurses online.
You can also call the Pregnancy Choices Helpline on 1800 008 463 to speak to a nurse
To speak to someone in your language, call the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 131 450. Ask to be connected to Family Planning NSW Talkline on 1300 658 886 or Pregnancy Choices Helpline on 1800 008 463.