Continued pregnancy supports
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.
We're here to help.
Information and counselling:
Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Medical advice:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Freephone: 1800 828 010
Outside of the Republic of Ireland: +353 1 687 7044
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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.
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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
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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.
Monday to Thursday: 10am to 9.30pm
Saturday: 10am to 4.30pm
LoCall: 1890 927 277
Phone: 01 873 3500
Young parents
The Young Parent Survival Guide published by Treoir is a helpful guide for parents-to-be and new parents, including tips on:
- sharing your news
- maternity services
- parenting tips
- benefits and entitlements
- continuing your education
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Teen Parents Support Programme
Treoir also runs a Teen Parents Support Programme which provides emotional and practical support and information for young parents.
Contact the National Coordinator on 01 670 0167or tpsp@treoir.ie.
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One-parent families
One Family offer supports and services for one-parent family members.
Ask One Family helpline
Ask One Family is a helpline by One Family for advice on:
- social welfare entitlements and issues
- family law issues
- housing
- health
- education
- employment
- childcare
- parenting
- counselling services and community supports
- listening support for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family life
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