Teen Pregnancy

Unplanned Pregnancies

Worried about being pregnant? Teens facing an unplanned pregnancy often feel alone, scared, nervous, and confused. The first thing you want to deal with is finding out whether or not you are really pregnant. And if you are, there are a lot of big decisions you will have to make. You have to decide if you are ready to be a parent. You will have to decide who to tell, and how to tell them. It can be very overwhelming. But reaching out now is especially important. Call the Kids’ Helpline at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1(877)KIDS-400 to speak to a counselor about your options and for a referral.

I think I might be pregnant, how do I know for sure?

Signs of pregnancy might include:
A missed period
Nausea
Inexplicable fatigue
Sore or enlarged breasts
Headaches
Frequent urination

I have some or all of these signs, now what do I do?

In order to confirm whether or not you are pregnant, you will need to get a pregnancy test. The best way to do this is to get a urine test performed by a medical professional. There are many agencies that offer teens free and confidential pregnancy test, call the Kids’ Helpline for more information.
Another way you can confirm whether or not you are pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test. Most drugstores and supermarkets sell pregnancy tests. Like a medical exam, home tests will examine your urine to detect whether or not you are pregnant. If you are using a home pregnancy test, be sure to READ and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. To be sure that you are indeed pregnant, always follow up with a medical professional for a pelvic test.

OK, I’m pregnant, now what?

If you find out that you are definitely pregnant, then you will have a lot of tough decisions to make. Although it will be difficult, it is best to make your decision as soon as possible. Remember that there are no right or wrong choices for everyone. Only you can decide what choice is best for you. Get support for yourself and consider the following options:

You can choose to have a baby and raise the child.
You can choose to have a baby and place your child up for adoption.
You can choose to terminate the pregnancy.

How do I decide which choice is best for me?

An unplanned pregnancy can make you feel like your whole life has turned upside down. You may feel depressed, scared, angry or confused about the choices that are before you. Planned Parenthood suggests considering the following questions during this difficult time in your life:

Which choice(s) could I live with?
Which choice(s) would be impossible for me?
How would each choice affect my everyday life?
Who could offer me support and assistance?
What would each choice mean to the people closest to me?
What is going on in my life right now?
What are my plans for the future?
What are my spiritual and moral beliefs?
What do I believe is best for me in the long run?
What can I afford?

We highly suggest that you talk about these choices and your feelings about them with your partner, someone in your family, a clergy person or a trusted friend. Also, all family planning clinics have specially trained counselors whose goal is to help you consider all your options and to make sure you are not being pressured to do something you don’t want to do. Still not sure what to do? Call the Kids’ Helpline to talk to one of our counselors 24 hours a day at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1(877)KIDS-400.

Choices

I’ve decided to keep the baby. Is their anyone who can help me?

If you have decided to have the baby, you should consider getting support from those who care right away. Being pregnant will change things in your life, and right from the start, you should try to give your baby the best chances for health by getting prenatal care. There are many agencies in your area who provide assistance to teen parents, including prenatal care, education, resources, counseling and support. Call the Kids’ Helpline at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1(877)KIDS-400 to get a referral for an agency near you.

I’ve decided to put the baby up for adoption. How do I do this?

Now that you have decided to have the baby and put the baby up for adoption, there are still a few more things to consider. There are two types of adoptions: confidential adoptions and open adoptions.

Confidential adoptions are adoptions in which the birth parents (you and your partner) and the adoptive parents never meet each other. Adoptive parents are given background information about you and the birth father that would help them take care of the baby in case a medical situation should arise, otherwise, no other information is exchanged.

Open adoptions are adoptions in which the birth parents and the adoptive parents know something about each other. This can range from choosing the birth parents after reading anonymous descriptions or it can involve meeting them before the birth and even having them present during the birth.

How do I arrange an adoption?

All states have licensed adoption agencies that can help you find adoptive parents for your baby. Most states also have private adoptions, where you can arrange the adoption with the birth parents through a private lawyer. For more information about arranging adoptions, contact the Department of Social Services, your local family planning clinic or call us at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1(877)KIDS-400 for a referral.

I’ve decided to terminate my pregnancy. How do I access an abortion?

Abortions in Buffalo and Erie county can be accessed through either a private doctor or a public clinic. The only public clinic in Erie County (located in Buffalo) is Buffalo GYN Women’s Services (1-800-598-3783). You can get a safe and confidential abortion between 5-20 weeks of your pregnancy. Buffalo GYN Women’s Services also offers counseling to discuss your options and answer your questions about abortion. Two types of abortion are available. For women 5 to 20 weeks pregnant, you can have a surgical abortion. If you are less than seven weeks pregnant, you may opt to have a medical abortion using drugs such as Mifeprex (Mifepristone, or RU-486) and Misoprostol (Cytotec). Remember, you do not need parental consent for an abortion in New York State. However, we strongly encourage you to seek support in making this difficult decision. Talking to one or both of your parents, another trusted adult or an older friend may help you through this time in your life.

How Do I Tell My Parents?

Although this may be the scariest thing you have ever had to tell you’re parents, you will probably feel greatly relieved after you do. Regardless of the choice that you make, telling one or both of your parents could be very helpful. They love you and will probably want to help you in any way that they can. Although we suggest that you tell your parents if you do decide to terminate your pregnancy, New York State law does not require you to have parental consent for an abortion.

Tips for talking to your parents

Tell them you have something very important to discuss with them and find a time when you can be alone with them to do so.

Be direct. Try saying “Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant”. Practice saying this with a friend, your partner or in front of a mirror to get used to saying it before you tell them.

Think about another time when you had to talk to them about something really difficult. How did it go? Did the worst things you imagine happen, or were they really supportive? Many times our parents can surprise us.

If you feel that you cannot tell them verbally what is going on, try writing a note or a card and leaving it for them. They will come to you to talk about it when they are ready.

Consider having another trusted adult, relative, counselor or clergy member with you when you tell your parents. An outside person may help them put their own feelings into perspective.

Realize that they may react in many different ways. They may feel overwhelmed, sad, angry or disappointed. Their reactions will probably change over time.

Let them know how you plan to deal with the pregnancy and how they can help you.

Pregnancy Prevention

Myths and facts

MYTHS:

Some common misconceptions that teens have about sex and pregnancy include believing that you can’t get pregnant if:

It’s your first time.
If you’re both virgins.
When the girl is having her period.
If the guy pulls out before he ejaculates or if he doesn’t go all the way in.
If you have sex in a pool or hot tub.
If the girl douches after sex.
If both partners don’t orgasm at the same time.
If the girl jumps up and down after sex (to get all the sperm out).
If the girl pushes really hard on her belly button after sex.
If the girl takes a shower or bath right away.
If the girl is on top during sex.

FACT: You can get pregnant any time you have unprotected intercourse. The only 100% sure fire way you can’t get pregnant is to abstain from sex totally. If you do decide to have sex, you can only decrease your risk of getting pregnant by using contraception. Myths adapted from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy’s Fact Sheet, 2002.

Contraceptive choices

What is contraception?

Contraception (also known as birth control) refers to the many different methods of preventing pregnancy. These different methods are outlined below for your information and education. Please be aware that not all methods of contraception protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. In fact, the only method that can provide protection against STD’s, including HIV/AIDS, are condoms.

How do I decide which method of contraception to use?

Every type of contraception or birth control has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Discuss your needs with your health care provider or with a counselor at your local family planning clinic to help you decide what is best for you. Remember, even if you are using birth control to prevent pregnancy, the only contraceptive that can protect you against HIV/AIDS is a condom. You should use a condom every single time you have sex to decrease your risk of HIV.

Where can I get birth control?

Condoms and spermicides can be purchased without a prescription at most local drugstores and supermarkets. You will need a prescription from your doctor or health care provider for most other types of birth control. Most family planning clinics, including your local Planned Parenthood, offer informational counseling on birth control and can provide you with contraceptives such as the pill, condoms, and Depo-Provera right at the clinic.

What are my choices for birth control?

There are many different types of birth control. Again, each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages that you should discuss with your partner, your doctor or with a family planning counselor. Contraceptive methods include:

Hormonal Methods

Prevent pregnancy by interrupting the normal process for becoming pregnant. Hormonal methods do not protect against STDs. Common hormonal methods include:

Oral contraceptives (commonly known as The Pill) – a pill for women that must be taken at the same time every day to prevent pregnancy.
Hormonal implants (such as Nor-Plant) – small capsules inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm that release small amounts of a hormone to prevent pregnancy. These can be left in the body for up to five years.
Depo-Provera – a hormone shot that is injected into a woman’s arm or buttock every 3 months.
The Patch or Vaginal Ring – these are two new methods of hormonal birth control. Both release hormones that help prevent pregnancy. The patch is worn on a woman’s body and has to be changed weekly. The vaginal ring is inserted in a woman’s vagina and also has to be changed on a regular basis.

Barrier Methods

Prevent sperm from reaching the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy.

Condoms (also known as Rubbers) – a cover for the penis or vagina. Latex condoms are recommended for protection against STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Male and female condoms are available at most drugstores.
Diaphragm or Cervical Caps – a shallow latex cup which the woman puts in her vagina before having sex. The diaphragm is generally used with a spermicidal jelly or cream.

Other Methods

Abstinence – Not having vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs, including HIV/AIDS.
Spermicide – A cream, foam, jelly or insert which kills sperm. Spermicides do not protect against STDs or HIV/AIDS. Spermicides are more effective when used with a condom.
Withdrawal – removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. While withdrawal is better than nothing, it is one of the least effective ways to prevent pregnancy and it also may expose you to STDs and HIV/AIDS.
Natural Family Planning – not having sex during the 5 or 6 days a month when it is possible for the woman to get pregnant. Specialized training is essential for using this method effectively, and it is not recommended for teens. It also does not protect against STDs or HIV/AIDS.
Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) – a plastic, medicated device which is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy.
Sterilization – A permanent, surgical form of contraception that blocks the fallopian tubes in women (also know as tubal litigation) and the vas deferens in men (also known as a vasectomy). This method of birth control is permanent, and is not generally recommended for teens.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Office of Population Affairs “Teen Talk” Newsletter.

Typical use* effectiveness table of contraceptive methods
Abstinence	100%
Hormonal Implant	99%
Depo-Provera	99%
Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)	99%
The Pill	95%
Withdrawal	81%
Diaphragm/Cervical Cap with Spermicide	80%
Male Condoms	79%
Natural Family Planning	75%
Spermicides (without other methods)	74%

*Typical use effectiveness - means how well the method works for the average person who uses it on a regular basis.
Source: Contraceptive Technology; The 1995 National Survey of Adolescent Males; and the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth.

What are my chances of getting pregnant if I choose not to use any type of birth control?

The average woman has an 85% chance of getting pregnant during a year of not using any type of birth control method. Don’t take the risk! Use birth control and a condom every single time you have sex!

I’ve heard of something called the “Morning-After-Pill”. What is it?

Emergency Contraceptive (commonly known as the “Morning-After-Pill) are hormonal pills that are taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g. a condom breaking or forgetting to take your pill). Emergency contraception is the only method that can be used after having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

Is Emergency Contraceptive the same thing as the “Abortion Pill”?

Can it cause an abortion if I am already pregnant? One of the common myths about Emergency Contraception is that it the same thing as the “Abortion Pill” (RU-486, also known as Mifepristone). Emergency Contraception does not cause abortions. It is a high dose of oral contraceptives that will prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in a woman’s uterus up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Studies have shown that if a woman is already pregnant, and Emergency Contraception does not work for some reason, it will not harm the fetus or cause a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage. Emergency Contraception is 75% effective, if taken correctly within the 72 hour time frame. However, the earlier you take it after unprotected sex, the better your chances that it will work.

How can I get Emergency Contraception?

Emergency Contraception can be accessed through most family planning clinics, such as your local Planned Parenthood. Some doctors will prescribe emergency contraceptives, but many will not. To access Emergency Contraception in your area, contact Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN. Are you dealing with an unplanned pregnancy?

Are you thinking about having sexual intercourse? Do you need more information about birth control? Call the Kids’ Helpline today to speak to a counselor for help, information, or referrals at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1(877)KIDS-400.

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