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Hi Hun

So this is either really exciting or really terrifying for you...or a combination of both. Its great to hear you want to see a doctor though, its never too early to start getting check ups to have a healthy pregnancy, and your doctor is your ally in helping you navigate these busy days you have ahead.

Start by seeing your doctor as soon as you can. Firstly, its important to have a pregnancy test there since they have very accurate tests, and you need to know for sure if you are pregnant. Your doctor may ask you questions about whether or not you want to keep the baby, and this is a decision that you can make for yourself. If you would like to have this discussion but your doctor does not bring it up, you can also ask to talk about options for the pregnancy--or to be referred to a clinic or other doctor who feels comfortable talking about your options.

There is lots of information that you'll need to get and listen to, so if you start early you can book a few appointments so its not as intimidating. Your doctor will want you to take vitamins so your baby has all the nutrients he/she needs to be healthy. Your doctor will also tell you that it is important to *not* drink *any* alcohol (sure some research says a few drinks are OK, but please remember that the medical community does not know how much alcohol is "safe" so avoid any alcohol), and to not take medications unless you discuss it with your doctor first. Your doc will also talk about when to come back for follow up appointments to track your pregnancy. Eventually you'll be getting ultrasounds to see the baby's development, and will go into the office regularly for measurements of your growing belly, as well as to have exams like pap tests, pelvic exams and other tests to ensure your pregnancy and baby are as healthy as can be. Your doc will also have information about what to expect (changes in your body, some problems that may arise like morning sickness for example), and might even suggest some books to read if you'd like :)

You'll see the doctor every month usually until the third trimester (last 3 months of pregnancy), when you will see them more often. As you approach the due date you'll go for frequent checks with your doctor.

I know this already sounds like a lot of information. The important thing is not to get too overwhelmed. It sounds like its difficult for you, and you're 19. Your doctor should be able to support you as you go through this, but if not (or if you want people to talk to other than your doctor) ask him/her to refer you to a local youth center, young moms group or teen group where you can get counselling if you need it, and meet other young moms. You can also get advice on how to talk to your parents, and how to manage the 'other' parts of pregnancy...like finances etc. Things may seem overwheming now, but take it one day at a time. There are lots of great books and websites that you can read and hopefully there is a family member or a local mums group in your area you can turn to.

You're not alone in this, so don't ever believe you are. It's up to you when you want to tell your family. Usually women start "showing" (looking like theyre pregnant) in the first 3 months of pregnancy, but it depends on your size or stature. Its important that you feel you have support, and depending on your family it may or may not be them who will support you. I encourage you to tell them once you're ready, but not to wait too late because you will eventually start to look like you're pregnant. They may be mad to begin with, but they love you and will support you as best as they can. and if they don't support you, its ok too--it just means you have to find other avenues for emotional and social support. The earlier you start the better.

You will probably have to tell the baby's father too, although I suggest you have a social support network ready before you do that. He does have a right to know...it's his child too. He may want to help you through the pregnancy or be a part of the pregnancy as well. \

Most of the time people don't tell their friends or other people (aka Facebook statuses) until past the 3 month mark. There's a possibility the pregnancy may not make it to the 3 month mark, so most people wait until after then to share the news.

I hope I didn't overwhelm you. I just wanted to give you an idea of what to expect over the next few weeks. Your doctor will share information and you'll notice that once people know you're pregnant you'll get their ideas and they'll want to share their opinions and experiences. Usually they're trying to be helpful, sometimes they aren't. Either way, you're an adult and its *your* baby. Be safe, try to be healthy, and turn to other for support when you aren't sure what to do. You are loved!

There are lots of websites you can turn to, I'll include some before

YOU REALLY SHOULD GO NOW. I KNOW MY MIDWIFE WANTS TO SEE ME IN THE SAME WEEK. YOU COULD WAIT TILL YOU ARE 4 MONTHS. UP TO YOU!:)