Pregnancy
If your pregnancy is unplanned, it is important to know that you have options and choices. The decision of whether or not to keep your baby is a personal one, there's no right or wrong answer and it is important to make an informed decision. You must not feel pressured by other people to make any decisions you later regret. Your leaving care worker will be able to support you with whatever decision you choose to make.
Think about your ability to provide for a baby's needs: Consider the emotional, financial, and practical aspects.
Being a parent requires a skills, knowledge and lots of love. Babies also need a safe, stable, and secure environment to thrive and grow into healthy, happy adults. Babies can be expensive too and it is important you know how to manage your money well before they arrive.
Think about your current lifestyle and relationship status: Do you have a stable home and a reliable support system? We know babies can be seriously affected by parents who argue, use drugs and alcohol.
Think about your mental and emotional well-being: Being a parent can be rewarding but can also be challenging and tiring. It's important to be prepared for how you will manage this. We know that babies can be affected by parents with low mood and who have difficulties managing their emotions.
Think about your long-term goals: You may want to ask yourself whether you are ready to become a parent and raise a child. Becoming a parent is life changing.
You can find further information for registering a birth at Better Births Lincolnshire and for unwanted news of a pregnancy you can visit Greater Lincolnshire Integrated Sexual Heath