If someone tells you that they are pregnant and they are confused, worried or feel that they can not cope then there are lots of things you can do to help.
The first thing to do is advise them to contact their doctor or midwifery service soon as possible after they find out that they're pregnant.
If they're not already registered with a doctor they can find a doctor in their area and contact them to register online.
Find a GP
For some people, finding out that they are pregnant, and it was unplanned, will mean having to make some difficult decisions.
People have the right to decide what is best for them, whether that's to carry on with the pregnancy, or to have an abortion. Whatever they decide, there is free, non-judgmental help and advice on contraception is available.
Key messages:
- preconception health care is key to ensuring women and people are in the best possible health before getting pregnant - talking to their healthcare provider to review their health history, medications, and lifestyle to ensure they're prepared
- timing of pregnancy - using contraception reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancies, and allows for planning of healthy pregnancies
- interconception - pregnancy spacing between pregnancies, taking appropriate contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy can support a healthy pregnancy when ready
What to expect when pregnant
Derbyshire Family Health Service has lots of advice and support to ensure a healthy, happy pregnancy at Derbyshire Family Health Service.
Depending on where in Derbyshire the person is, will determine which hospital their care comes under. Each has different protocols.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Women and people must be registered with a local doctor practice before they register their pregnancy with Chesterfield Royal Hospital through My Pregnancy Notes.
Further information on pregnancy can be found on:
Unplanned pregnancy
People facing an unplanned pregnancy often deal with unique challenges, including emotional, financial, and social pressures.
However, with the right support the majority of people can overcome these challenges.
Women and people with unplanned pregnancies are more likely to delay seeking antenatal care, which can result in undiagnosed complications and missed chances for early screenings.
Unplanned pregnancies may also lead lack of essential nutrients, like folic acid, which is important for preventing neural tube defects.
People experiencing unplanned pregnancies might carry on with unhealthy behaviours, like smoking, drinking alcohol, or using substances. This poses risks to both the mother and the baby.
Unplanned pregnancies can also increase stress, anxiety, and impact mental health, both during and after pregnancy.
They can lead to financial strain, especially for those who aren't financially prepared to raise a child, which can put more stress on relationships.
Unplanned pregnancies are also more likely to result in pre-term births, which can cause health issues for the baby, including developmental delays and a higher risk of infections.
Relationship issues or instability may arise due to an unplanned pregnancy, especially if partners don't agree about having children or aren't ready for the responsibilities of parenthood.
Children born from unplanned pregnancies may face higher risks of emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges due to family stress, limited resources, or lack of parental preparedness.
Some women and people with unplanned pregnancies may choose to terminate the pregnancy.
This is a personal decision that depends on many factors, such as health, financial stability, relationships, and personal values.
Access to reproductive healthcare and counselling can help women and pregnant people make informed decisions, whether they choose to continue the pregnancy, pursue adoption, or have a termination.
Regardless of their choice, it's crucial to provide individuals with non-judgemental support, accurate information, and resources to ensure they feel empowered and supported in their journey.
Women and pregnant people aged over 35 years
Pregnancy in women and pregnant people aged 35 and older, comes with its own considerations and risks.
While many women and pregnant people in this age group have healthy pregnancies and babies, there are increased risks associated with fertility, pregnancy complications, and maternal and infant outcomes.
It's important for individuals in this age group to be aware of these potential challenges and the available strategies to promote a healthy pregnancy.
Advise women and pregnant people to contact their doctor or midwifery service soon as possible after they find out that they're pregnant.
Closely spaced pregnancies
Research shows that getting pregnant less than 12 months after a birth is associated with health risks for of all ages.
For most, it's best to wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again.
These include the risk of:
- premature birth
- low birth weight
- stillbirth
- placenta partially or completely peeling away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery (placental abruption)
- congenital disorders
- mental health disorders
- maternal Anaemia (Anaemia for the pregnant person)
Closely spaced pregnancies might not give a person enough time to recover from one pregnancy before moving on to the next pregnancy.
For example, pregnancy and breastfeeding can deplete your stores of nutrients, particularly folate.
If you become pregnant before replacing those stores, it could affect the mothers or baby's health.
Inflammation of the genital tract that develops during pregnancy and doesn't completely heal before the next pregnancy could also play a role.
Messages for professionals to share
Advise women and pregnant people to contact their doctor or midwifery service soon as possible after they find out that they're pregnant.
Accessing the wide range of contraceptive options after pregnancy is important to prevent an unplanned pregnancy after a birth.
Lots of different contraceptive options are available for free from Your Sexual Health Matters.
Teenage pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy is associated with poor outcomes.
Teenage parents are less likely to finish their education and are more likely to bring up their child alone and in poverty, and they are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues.
Infant mortality rates are higher for babies born to teenage parents.
Despite improvements, the outcomes for young parents and their children are still disproportionately poor, with higher rates of low birth weight, postnatal depression, and poor mental health for up to 3 years after birth.
Messages for professionals to share:
- advise women and pregnant people to contact their doctor or midwifery service soon as possible after they find out that they're pregnant
- the delivery of relationships and sexual health education (RSHE) can contribute to improved sexual health, supporting young people to practice safe sex and have improved health outcomes
- schools, voluntary organisations and family members can play an important part in providing this education
Any education must link to practical support around accessing contraception from local services.