Teenage and unplanned pregnancy is on the rise in the UK, with on average over 40,000 young women giving birth before their twentieth birthday. Though many are planned, more and more young girls are having babies before they are ready for them, physically, financially and emotionally. In this article, we'll offer the best advice for you to consider regarding pregnancy.

Pregnancy myths busted

If you have recently had unprotected sex, there's a chance that one of your eggs may have been fertilised by your partner's sperm. Some common myths regarding conception include:

I can't get pregnant if…

• I'm on my period
• He doesn't ejaculate/'come' inside of me
• He doesn't put his penis inside of me
• It's the first time I'm having sex
• My hymen doesn't break
• I have sex on top of my partner
• I wash out my vagina afterwards

These myths are all FALSE. The truth is that you can get pregnant through any of these ways. Sperm swim a lot faster than you may think so the chances are that the little guys have already done their job before you can even think about it, never mind thoroughly wash yourself. The only guaranteed way to prevent pregnancy is to use contraception.

How do I know if I'm pregnant or not?

Some major clues to look out for are missing your period, morning sickness and tender, swollen breasts. If you have recently had unprotected sex and are experiencing any of these symptoms, there is a good chance that you may be pregnant. There are plenty of options for you to choose from to determine if you're with child or not:

• Take a home pregnancy test - Chemists, supermarkets and some newsagents all supply pregnancy kits for you to buy. Though they are widely available, they can be quite expensive. However, they are simple to use and an easy way to determine your pregnancy in private, if you prefer. Be aware that some products will only work if your period is more than two weeks late, so be sure to read the packaging carefully!
• Visit your GP/family doctor - If you make an appointment with your GP, they will be more than happy to conduct a prompt test for you. All you have to do is provide a sample of urine (don't worry, they'll give you a cup) and the doctor will do the rest. Results are given instantly and your GP will be there to give you the advice you need, no matter what the outcome may be.
• Get tested at your chemist - Some pharmacists offer pregnancy test appointments. Check with your local venue to see if the facility is offered there, book an appointment and turn up for instant and confidential results. Take a family member or a friend you trust for added support.

Another option to consider would be to visit your local Family Planning Clinic. You will be provided with a free pregnancy test, plus support for every aspect of pregnancy. You will be appointed a counsellor who will guide you through all the decisions you need to make and help you get through the tough tasks, such as informing your family or partner.

False alarm!

If it turns out that you aren't pregnant after all, it's perfectly normal to experience a complete cocktail of different emotions, including feelings of relief, disappointment and embarrassment, all at once. This is completely natural and can be a brief look into how you truly feel about having a baby. Of course, take this experience as a lesson and consider getting hold of contraception such as the morning-after pill, birth-control pill, injection or patch.

I'm pregnant! My life is over!

First things first, DO NOT PANIC. There are tons of options for you to consider. The hard part is choosing which path to go down. It's paramount that you discuss these options with the people you are close to such as your parents, trusted friends, your partner, your GP or a counsellor. This can give you a balanced view on all of the options you have and help you to make the decision that's best for you. It is important that the father of the baby is informed and given an opportunity to make his opinion known, but the final say is alwaysyours. You will need to act quickly, but be careful not to rush down a path that you don't truly want to take.