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.
We're here to help.
Information and counselling:
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
- Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Freephone: 1800 828 010
If you are outside of the Republic of Ireland, phone +353 1 687 7044
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.
- Monday to Thursday: 10am to 9pm
- Friday: 10am to 4pm
Phone: 01 873 3500
parentline.ie
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
Make an appointment and get free advice:
- Monday to Friday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
Phone: 01 670 0120
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
Young Parents Survival Guide - 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.
Teen Parents Support Programme - 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
You can contact Ask One Family:
- Monday to Friday: 10am to 3pm
Phone: 01 662 9212