Te tautoko i te hunga taiohi e hapū ana Support if you are young and pregnant
Thinking that you might be pregnant can be exciting and scary. There are lots of services to support pregnant parents.
Pregnancy tests
The most important thing to do if you think you are pregnant is a pregnancy test.
You can buy these for $10 to $20 at a pharmacy or supermarket.
They are free at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa clinics if you are under 22, at sexual health clinics, from midwives and some healthcare providers — phone and ask the practice nurse first.
Your choices
Finding out you are pregnant is different for everyone.
If you are pregnant, there are different options available to you:
- parenting — either with a partner or alone
- adoption or foster care
- abortion — a safe procedure that intentionally ends a pregnancy.
You might know which option you would like to choose, or you might find this decision more difficult or complex.
If you are pregnant and are not sure whether you want to continue with the pregnancy, there is support available for you. You can contact a healthcare provider to discuss your options, including continuing a pregnancy or abortion. You can also access counselling that is unbiased and non-judgmental.
Information on abortion — Ministry of Health (external link)
Get support
When you find out you are pregnant, one of the first things you should do is choose a midwife or a doctor.
This is really important for your health and for your pēpi. Some midwives specialise in supporting younger pregnant people.
Maternity care (internal link)
Many areas also have special workers to support teen parents. To find out about your local services call Healthline 0800 611 116.
Work and Income may be able to help with your living expenses. You can find out more on their website, or call 0800 687 775
Telling your parents and whānau
Telling your parents and whānau can be hard. The 'Young Parent Resource Book' has advice on telling your parents in chapter 2.
It can help to find someone you trust to support you. This could be your auntie, a school nurse, a counsellor, a social worker or someone else you trust.
Young parent resources — E Tipu E Rea Whānau Services (external link)
Look after yourself
Getting pregnant and having a baby is a big change. You need to look after yourself. We have lots of advice about having a healthy pregnancy.
Remember, being smokefree and avoiding alcohol, cannabis and other drugs will give baby the best start.
Keeping healthy (internal link)
Family violence
If you feel unsafe because of the actions of a partner or family member, it is important that you get help. You can call 0800 456 450 for self-help information and to connect with services in your area, or visit the It's not OK website.
Continue your education
Having a pēpi does not mean you have to stop learning. If you are still at school you may be able to transfer to a teen parent unit.
Teen parent units offer support to enable you to succeed as a student and a young parent. You can visit the Teen Parent Schools website to find out more.
Teen Parent Schools (external link)