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If your child comes to you to say they are pregnant or that their girlfriend is pregnant, your first reactions may be shock and anger. But the most important thing to do is stay calm, talk and support the teenage mother in whatever decisions she makes. Although you can give her support and information on her options, she is the person who has to live with her decision
The first step is for the teenager to see her GP or young people’s service. They will confirm the pregnancy and tell her about services in the area for pregnant teenagers. Hospitals and health visitors often have services for teenage mothers beyond the routine antenatal care that will be offered. Some services, such as Brook also have counsellors who will be able to explore with her how she feels about her pregnancy and give her impartial information on her options.
Some schools encourage their pregnant pupils to continue their studies; others do not. Talk to the school and see what their policy is. There are other ways of learning, like home tuition. Your local education authority will be able to help.
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