Pregnancy in Young People

Pregnancy at a young age can be really positive for some young people. It can be a planned choice and a new beginning. For others, it can increase the likelihood of poverty and reduce or compromise life chances.

If young people are not using any form of contraception and/or condoms every time they have sex, there is a greater risk of pregnancy occurring. Having a baby represents a huge change in anyone’s life and the most important thing to remember is that whether the pregnancy was planned or unplanned and if the young person is unsure of what to do; there is information and support available. The quicker you seek support, the better and the more options that will be available.

It is important to remind young people that they can get pregnant the very first time they have unprotected sex and using a condom every time will help prevent unintended pregnancy, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The Lanarkshire C Card Scheme provides free condoms to anyone who lives, works or studies in Lanarkshire and these can be accessed by anyone aged 13 and over from 118 locations across Lanarkshire. For more information see the Free Condoms No Fuss page.

Young people can also access emergency contraception in Lanarkshire if they are worried they might be pregnant soon after having unprotected sex (link to emergency contraception page).

If a young person is pregnant and is too late to access emergency contraception, there are three options available:

Whether the young person decides they can or cannot continue with the pregnancy it is important to get advice quickly. Their GP, local sexual health clinic or young people clinic will be able to discuss this with them and refer to whatever the most appropriate service would be. To make an appointment, call our appointment line on 0300 303 0251 (line open Monday to Thursday 9am-4.45pm and Friday 9am-4pm).

Understanding sexual health