I’M SCARED TO TELL MUM I’M PREGNANT

Dear Coleen

I’m a teenager and pregnant – the dad is the son of my mum’s ex-boyfriend. I’ve been living with my aunt for a year because I’ve been in some trouble with drugs.

I don’t know what to do because my mum is having a baby this month and my baby is due in April. I don’t want to give birth at my aunt’s and I want to be with my mum, but no one knows about the baby yet and I’m six months pregnant.

What do I do? Tell my mum and aunt or keep it a secret? And do I tell the baby’s father or not? We still talk, but aren’t together and I don’t plan on being with him.

Can you help?

Coleen says

I know this is a scary situation, but please tell your mum or your aunt, or both. If, for some reason, you’re worried about telling either of them, please find someone else you trust and tell that person. It’s very important you have support.

It’s also important you see a doctor as soon as possible to start your antenatal care and he or she will be able to provide you with confidential advice and support too.

Please don’t ignore the situation any longer – the baby is going to arrive and it’s far better to be prepared and have all the support in place.

As for the baby’s father, tell your family first – make yourself and the baby the priority – and then you can decide how and when you tell him.

I’m wondering if you haven’t told anyone about the pregnancy because you’re underage and you might get him into trouble, but you must put yourself and your health first.

I promise it will be a huge relief once you’ve told someone. You can find more support by visiting nhs.uk/pregnancy/ support/teenage-pregnancy