Support during your pregnancy and after giving birth is important for your physical and mental health. Support can mean help, safety and comfort:

You may feel scared to tell your family about your pregnancy, but it is important for them to know: they could support you emotionally and practically.

It is possible that your family does not react positively to the pregnancy, and that this leads to tension at home. Give them time to take in the news; they may change their minds about your pregnancy later on.

Your friends can also be of great support. You may be worried about how they will react. You may feel that they will not understand how you feel and what you’re going through. Try not to withdraw from them: friends who care about you will want to be there for you and help you.

If you feel you have no support, talk to a counsellor or someone else you trust. Together you can identify other sources of support.