Continued pregnancy supports

If you decide to continue with your pregnancy, 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 housing
• supports with parenting

Unplanned pregnancy counselling

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

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

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.

Find out more about unplanned pregnancy support services

Medical services — antenatal care

Antenatal care is the care you get 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 public 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 during and after pregnancy.

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.

Treoir

Treoir provides an information service for unmarried parents. The service is free and confidential.

It is for all types of unmarried parents, whether you and your partner are:

• living together
• living apart
• both opposite sex
• both same-sex

Treoir also provides information to:

• families of unmarried parents
• those working with unmarried parents

Young parents

The Young Parent Survival Guide published by Treoir is a helpful guide for parents-to-be and new parents.

It includes tips on:

• sharing your news
• maternity services
• parenting tips
• benefits and entitlements
• continuing your education

Find out more about the Young Parents Survival Guide at Treoir.ie

Teen Parents Support Programme

The Teen Parents Support Programme provides emotional and practical support and information for young parents.

Contact the National Coordinator on 01 670 0167 or tpsp@treoir.ie.

Find out more about the Teen Parents Support Programme at tpsp.ie

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

Learn more about the Ask One Family helpline at onefamily.ie