PREGNANT AFTER PRE-LOCKDOWN FLING

Dear Coleen

I’m a 19-year-old girl and, just before lockdown, I went out with a group of friends from uni, got a bit drunk and ended up having a one-night stand with a guy I know.

I didn’t think anything of it, but now I’ve found out I’m pregnant after doing a home test.

I’m not in a relationship with this person and have no intention of being in one with him, but I’ve thought a lot about what I want to do and I’m pretty certain I want to keep the baby, even though I’m young and still studying. I’m worried about what people will think, though.

I’m usually a pretty responsible person and I think everyone will be really shocked. I’m also certain my parents will be disappointed in me and worried about how I’ll cope. Can you advise?

Coleen says

First of all, stop worrying about what other people think – the important people will be supportive and want to help you. You also need to see your GP to confirm the pregnancy and talk about your decision.

Obviously, if you want to keep the baby, then you have to tell your parents, which I realise is a difficult conversation to have. Yes, you are young and it’s probably not how you imagined becoming a mother, but it’s happened and now it is about how you deal with it.

I’m sure your parents will be shocked and probably also disappointed because you’re still at university and not in a relationship.

However, you also have to remember that they love you and won’t want you to be worried or scared about this.

Don’t underestimate them – parents are pretty good at coping with life’s challenges. Also, this doesn’t mean you can’t go back to studying and get your degree if you have the right support in place.

Good luck.