If you make the decision to have your baby and become a parent, whether alone or with a partner or family, you may need ongoing support.

Some of the supports you may need include:

• emotional support, for example unplanned pregnancy counselling
• medical services for your baby and for yourself
• benefits and entitlements that can offer support with finances and accommodation
• supports with parenting

Unplanned pregnancy counselling

During an unplanned pregnancy counselling session, the counsellor will help you to explore how you feel about becoming a parent.

You can call us and talk to one of our professional and experienced counsellors. We can also provide you with information on free face-to-face counselling.

Call the My Options freephone line

My Options is a HSE freephone line that provides free and confidential counselling to people experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.

Unplanned pregnancy support services

Medical services — antenatal care

Antenatal care is the care you receive during your pregnancy from healthcare professionals. It’s sometimes called maternity care or pregnancy care.

If you think you are pregnant, you can visit your GP (family doctor) or contact your local maternity unit or hospital. They can give you information on the antenatal care options available to you.

Antenatal care is free from State maternity hospitals. GP care may also be free while you are pregnant, but you need to check with your GP.

Antenatal and maternity care options

Benefits and entitlements

You and your partner can get benefits and supports when you are pregnant and after you have your baby.

These include:

• antenatal classes
• maternity and paternity leave
• maternity benefit
• child benefit

Benefits and entitlements for parents and children

Supports with parenting

If you decide to become a parent, you can get advice and support on MyChild.ie — the HSE’s guide to pregnancy, baby and toddler health.

If you are worried about the impact that pregnancy and parenting might have on your mental health, you can get advice, information and support on YourMentalHealth.ie.

ParentLine

ParentLine is a confidential helpline offering support, guidance and information for parents and guardians.