Information for the public
Young pregnant women (aged under 20)
If you are under 20, you should be given the name and phone number of the midwife who will provide most of your care during your pregnancy.
Your baby's father can be involved in your antenatal care if this is what you want.
You should be given information about having your antenatal care together with other young women in places that are easy to get to, such as community centres.
You should also be given information about antenatal classes and drop-in sessions for young women, and any benefits you might be entitled to, such as housing benefit. And you should be able to find out whether you can get help with transport to your antenatal appointments if you need it. All the information you are given should be clear and easy to understand.
Questions to ask your midwife or doctor
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Do you have any information about pregnancy or antenatal care that is especially for people my age?
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Can I get any help with transport to appointments?
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Are there any other young mothers I could talk to?
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How can the baby's father help me?
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Can I decide on my own about any tests or treatment I am offered?
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Where can I get information about what benefits I am entitled to?
Decisions about your care if you are under 16
If you are under 16 and your midwife or doctor is sure that you understand a test or treatment you are being offered, you will be able to decide on your own whether to have it. You can always involve your parents or another person with parental responsibility (someone who is responsible for looking after you) if you wish, and your midwife or doctor will encourage them to support you. If you decide to have the test or treatment, you will be asked to give 'informed consent'. Informed consent is explained in Decisions about your care.
If your midwife or doctor is not sure you understand a test or treatment, one of your parents or a person with parental responsibility will be asked to give informed consent for you to have the test or treatment. In an emergency, if one of your parents or a person with parental responsibility for you cannot be contacted, healthcare professionals may give treatment immediately when it is in your best interests.