Kate

Hi, I'm Kate and I am 17 years old. I guess I should start by telling you that I am pregnant – found out a few weeks ago. It was a bit of a shock really – I knew I had missed a few periods but I have never really been that regular anyway and I haven’t felt sick or anything. I told my mate I hadn’t had a period for a few months and she said I should take a pregnancy test. Couldn’t believe my eyes when it came back positive – did two more tests just to check! To be honest I know you shouldn’t say this but I was gutted. Didn’t know how I was going to tell mum and gran. We live with gran since my dad left a few years ago. He is a bit of a muppet and I haven’t seen him since. Mum didn’t cope very well when he left and I still don’t think she is over it. She gets dead anxious and stressed over the littlest things – it’s really annoying cos she is always going on and she cries a lot.

I knew she would hit the roof when she found out and I was right she did! She was crying and shouting and going on and on saying “What did I do wrong?” “What did I do to deserve this?” As usual it was all about her! Gran was better she wasn’t happy but she was more supportive, she always tells me that we can sort things out – I love my gran. Worst thing is I don’t really know the dad. I was at a party with my mates and met this guy. He was really fit and I was pretty hammered! I don’t normally have one night stands honest; but it just sort of happened. I know his name was Tom but that is all I know. Never really gave it a second thought after that – until the pregnancy test obviously!! My gran was upset about that – I could tell she was really disappointed and it just gave mum another reason to go on and tell me how stupid I am – not like Sarah (my sister) who is a good girl!

I’ve got my first scan booked next week gran is going to come with me. Can’t really believe this is happening – I am really frightened.

How do politicians and the media appear to regard “teenage mums?” (Look at past newspaper reports)

In the UK, what are the normal statutory supports available to women expecting their first child?

Does Kate have a responsibility to inform “Tom” of the pregnancy?

What are the most used forms of contraception? What are the commonest reasons for unplanned pregnancies?

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