Unplanned Pregnancy
If a pregnancy is unplanned and unwanted, there can be overwhelming anxiety, confusion, and a questioning of what is really important.
Avoiding an unwanted pregnancy
Within many adult relationships, consenting sexual intercourse is a normal and enjoyable part of the relationship. If you wish to avoid becoming pregnant, find out more about contraception methods and what is best for you and your relationship by speaking to a doctor or nurse at the Deakn Medical Centre.
How do I know if I am pregnant?
The best way to tell if you are pregnant is to have a test done by a doctor or nurse. Deakin Medical Centre can do this with you. It is very simple and the results are available immediately. Otherwise, pregnancy tests are available from the chemist and are also simple and easy to use.
What do I do now?
Unplanned pregnancies come as a shock and deciding what to do is not easy. In Australia you can choose to go ahead with the pregnancy and either raise the child yourself, perhaps with your partner, or have your child adopted into another family. If you do not wish to proceed with the pregnancy, you have the option of having an abortion. Doing what you want will be very important to help you cope with what you eventually do. For more information, go to the link below on 'Pregnancy Options'. If you are unsure about what you want to do, we recommend you talk to someone either at the University's Medical Centre or the Counselling Service.
Quick tips
- Have an accurate pregnancy test done by a doctor or nurse.
- Talk to someone who is not emotionally involved about the pregnancy.
- If your study is being affected because you are in turmoil about the pregnancy, speak with a doctor, nurse or counsellor so they are in a position to support any applications you may submit.
- Find out about the options available to you and do what you decide, not what others want you to do.
Getting help
- Make an appointment with the Deakin Medical Centre
- Make an appointment with the Deakin Counselling Service
- Visit your local Community Services or Hospital
