Advertisement
Topics
Gynaecological Health
Reproductive Health
Menopause & HRT
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Women's Cancers
Contraception
Thrush and Candida
Reproductive Health
Menopause & HRT
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Women's Cancers
Contraception
Thrush and Candida
Hot stuff
Newsletters
Promotions
Party central
From party frocks to invites and Christmas cocktails, we've got everything you need to throw a fabulous party
From party frocks to invites and Christmas cocktails, we've got everything you need to throw a fabulous party
Coping with an unplanned pregnancy
Terminating a pregnancy is a major decision and a difficult one to make. Dr Sarah Brewer outlines the options
Despite the availability of effective contraception, it is estimated that one in three babies is unplanned - though not necessarily unwanted. Many unplanned pregnancies end in abortion, which is the voluntary termination of pregnancy. If you do find yourself unexpectedly pregnant and are unsure whether you want to give birth to the baby, it's important to consider all your options carefully so as to make the right decision for you.
Your options include keeping the baby, having the baby cared for by relatives more able to take on this responsibility than yourself, having the baby adopted through an agency, or having a termination of pregnancy. Abortion is a legal procedure and every woman's right, should she not want to go through with the pregnancy.
Termination for abnormality
Sadly, between 2 and 5 per cent of babies conceived have a congenital abnormality, which may be associated with a variety of special needs. This will usually be detected during the routine ultrasound scans and, if the abnormality is severe, you may be offered a termination for abnormality. When faced with having to make such a difficult decision, it may help to know that the national charity, Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC), is available to befriend and support those considering antenatal testing, those who are waiting anxiously for test results, and those who are faced with the difficult decision about whether or not to end an abnormal pregnancy.
Despite the availability of effective contraception, it is estimated that one in three babies is unplanned - though not necessarily unwanted. Many unplanned pregnancies end in abortion, which is the voluntary termination of pregnancy. If you do find yourself unexpectedly pregnant and are unsure whether you want to give birth to the baby, it's important to consider all your options carefully so as to make the right decision for you.
Your options include keeping the baby, having the baby cared for by relatives more able to take on this responsibility than yourself, having the baby adopted through an agency, or having a termination of pregnancy. Abortion is a legal procedure and every woman's right, should she not want to go through with the pregnancy.
Termination for abnormality
Sadly, between 2 and 5 per cent of babies conceived have a congenital abnormality, which may be associated with a variety of special needs. This will usually be detected during the routine ultrasound scans and, if the abnormality is severe, you may be offered a termination for abnormality. When faced with having to make such a difficult decision, it may help to know that the national charity, Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC), is available to befriend and support those considering antenatal testing, those who are waiting anxiously for test results, and those who are faced with the difficult decision about whether or not to end an abnormal pregnancy.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | next
printer friendly
send to a friend
Created: 04/11/2003 Updated: 10/10/2007
This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational
purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a
substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or
hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or
that of a child, please consult your family's health provider
immediately and do not wait for a response from our
professionals. For the full Disclaimer,
click here.
RATE IT
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUponYou need the newest version of Macromedia Flash Player to view this feature. Download the Flash plug-in at http://www.macromedia.com.
Pregnancy & Baby |
Parenting |
Health |
Diet & Fitness |
Beauty & Fashion|
Relationships |
Home & Garden |
Food & Drink |
Work & Career |
Entertainment 
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
© iVillage Limited 2000-2008. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
