If you weren't planning on having a baby, an unplanned pregnancy can be an extremely confusing and scary thing to experience. Before you spiral into an uncontrollable panic, be aware of the various options that are on hand for you. It's important to fully explore the different options that are available before making a decision. Though you do have the final say in this matter, try to get the opinions of as many trusted people as possible to give you a completely unbiased view of the situation. You must act quickly, but be careful not to make the wrong decision just for the sake of rushing.

Keeping the baby

Raising a child, especially at a young age, is an extremely difficult task. There is a lot of stress involved, plus the whole thing is financially demanding. On the other hand, however, it could be the single greatest thing that ever happens to you: something only a parent would understand. Before deciding to go through with the pregnancy, it's paramount that you ask yourself some of the important questions:

• Is the child's father involved? If so, what is his role?
• Do you feel emotionally mature enough to have a baby?
• Would you be willing to sacrifice your education/career?
• If so, what are the implications?
• Do you have the appropriate support from your family/friends?
• Where are you and the baby going to live?
• How will you support yourself financially?
• Are you willing to make the huge commitment to the child?
• Are there any medical conditions preventing a healthy delivery?
• Are you willing to learn the skills to raise a baby?

Having an abortion

Abortion is still a hugely controversial subject, and the general opinion on the matter varies differently, depending on who you ask. Though you may initially refuse to even consider such a procedure, it's still worth being aware of what an abortion involves and the law surrounding them. If it has been less than twenty-four weeks (six months) after conception, you are eligible for surgery, though abortions that late into the pregnancy are extremely rare. The abortion itself is a simple procedure that is carried out via one of two methods:

1. Drugs are administered to the patient, which in turn causes a miscarriage
2. The contents of the womb are surgically removed under local or general anaesthetic

Though the physical side-effects are no worse than moderate menstrual cramps/period pains, the procedure can have drastic emotional implications on the patient, so it's vital that you are psychologically prepared to go through with the abortion. Every woman has the right to an abortion, if they do so desire, though under-16s must have permission from their parents or guardians, unless two doctors decide that they are mentally mature enough to handle the procedure. It is also insisted that under-16s have permission from their parents to be placed under anaesthetic, if necessary.

Putting the baby up for adoption

It's important that you know as much about adoption as possible before you consider it. Your GP can refer you to Social Services, who will walk you through the adoption process, answer any questions you may have and advise you on your next move. You will also be referred to a counsellor to ensure that you are completely happy with the situation and your rights following the adoption. You can only apply for adoption when the baby is six weeks old, so you'll have plenty of time to change your mind if you want to.

You can transfer your parental rights to the agency, if you prefer, and they will be completely in charge of finding some adopting parents. You ultimately decide how much or how little you want to know about the parents and it's not unheard of for the adoptees to keep a 'life book' featuring you, to let the child know where they came from initially. You can also keep in touch with the adopting parents via the adoption agency.

Once the adoption has been legally finalised by the courts, you lose all of your parental rights, including the right to see the child. Once the child has reached the age of 18, they are able to get in touch with their original parents, though some adopting parents give consent long before that time.

Putting the baby into foster care

Fostering a child works similarly to adoption, except that the process is only temporary. If for any reason (medical conditions, financial issues, living situations) you are unable to properly look after your baby, another set of parents will look after it until you are ready to accept your parental responsibilities again. Social Services will find the foster parents for you and work with you closely to get you fully ready to look after your child again. You still remain the legal guardian of the baby during the fostering process, so you still receive all of the same rights that other parents do.

Choosing what to do during an unplanned pregnancy is an extremely tough decision, so make sure that you are fully satisfied with the road you have chosen to go down before completely finalising the process. Make sure that you speak with your friends, family, partner, GP or counsellor whilst exploring your options as you may find that their opinion on what to do is much different to yours.